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EVENINGS 

WITH 

GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK, 

A VETERAN ITINERANT; 



SHOWING HIS LABORS, JOYS, AND TRIUMPHS IN 
THE METHODIST ITINERANCY. 

BEING AN ANTIDOTE TO 

"MY FATHER BRADDOCK." 



ADVOCATING TRUE REFORM, AND UNMASKING PRETENDED REFORMERSl__^^ 
IN TIIE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 



BY 



KEV. FKANK F. FAIRVIEW. 



■ No/a i 

WITH AN INTRODUCTION, 

BY EEV. THEOPHILUS T. TRUEMAN. 



ALSO, A PREFACE, 

BY REV. HENRY H. HOPEFUL, 

OF BLOOMING MOUNT. 



PHILADELPHIA: 
PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR, 

BY 

PERKINPINE & HIGGINS, 

No. 56 NORTH FOURTH STREET, 

1859. 



THE LIBRARYJ 
OF C ONG RESfj 

WASHINGTON | 



& 



,:,K 



- 



Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by 

PERKINPINE & HIGGINS, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of 

Pennsylvania. 

JESPER HARDING & SON, STEREOTTPERS. C. SHERMAN * SON, PRINTERS. 



TO THE 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH; 

MY SPIRITUAL MOTHER; 

On whose tender bosom I was nurtured in religious infancy- -and 
to wnosE PURE doctrines, benign government, and ennobling in- 
stitutions, I AM IMMEASURABLY INDEBTED FOR THE STRENGTH 
OP MATURER LIFE ; WHOSE PAST IS A HISTORY OF UNPARAL- 
LELED TRIUMPHS — AND WHOSE FUTURE IS BRIGHT 
WITH PROMISE — AND ESPECIALLY TO HER 

ITINERANT MINISTERS AND THEIR WIVES 

THE NOBLEST, HAPPIEST, AND MIGHTIEST BAND OF CHRIST'S WITNESSE8 
IN THE 

CHURCH OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY— 

TO WHOM I AM LINKED IN BONDS OF UNDYING LOVE : 

TO* Volutnt 

IS HUMBLY INSCRIBED 

BY THE AUTHOR. 



PREFACE. 



Kind Reader — Allow me a few words of personal expe- 
rience. 

Impressed with the importance of salvation, I embraced 
religion at an early period of my history. I was obscure and 
unknown. After considerable reading, reflection, and prayer, 
I pressed through much opposition, and united with one 
of the very first M. E. churches in a great city. By in- 
vitation, I became at once a Sabbath-school teacher. In that 
position I was benefited and blest. At a suitable time I was 
elected Superintendent. In this capacity I served the church 
to the best of my ability. Years rolled on, I was elevated to 
the leadership of a class. I trembled under the weight of re- 
sponsibility ; judge of my surprise, however, when on opening 
the class book, I found a paper, signed by my Pastor, giving me 
license to exhort. In much weakness I attempted to dis- 
charge both duties. In three months, I was invited by one 
of the official members, to attend the Quarterly Conference, 
in order to receive license as a Local Preacher. Though I 
asked nothing, sought nothing, expected nothing, yet as an 
obedient son, I went, and was licensed. Immediately after 
the Annual Conference had adjourned, I was asked to fill a 
vacancy on a pleasant circuit. I pleaded want of ability, ex- 
perience, literary qualifications, everything. My objections 
were overcome. I went, preached the best I could ; was 
helped by one of the best colleagues ; encouraged by one of 
the holiest Presiding Elders ; was borne with by a kind and 
affectionate people. 

(Hi) 



IV PREFACE. 

The last Quarterly Conference for the year recommended 
me to the Annual Conference. I was received. My Pre- 
siding Elder said : a How would you like to go to such a cir- 
cuit V Feeling that all places were too good for me, I replied, 
" Send me any where." I went to the circuit named, and 
preached and studied incessantly. Conference came. I was 
appointed in charge of a small station. Staid tw 7 o years; was 
promoted to a better place j the salary was small, but through 
the kindness of hosts of friends, lived comfortably. Staid two 
years; had a still better appointment ; lived still more com- 
fortably ; had revivals; then went to the first appointment in 
a large city; saw the work of God; shared in its toils; wit- 
nessed its triumphs; and shouted in its victories. And thus 
it has been to the present time. I look around me, and find 
the same is true of most of my brethren. What has done this? 

I answer, the System, the System!! The System found 
scores, hundreds, and even thousands of us who are now in the 
ministry, serving our Master as best we could in our humble 
positions. It separated us from our worldly callings, sustained 
us in that separation ; placed within our reach the means of 
improvement, directed how to use them, and saw that we 
employed them. And then, as the improvement developed, 
elevated each one in his turn to such positions as he was 
qualified to fill. And so long as mental and physical ability 
sufficient to occupy such positions is retained, the System, 
from pure self-love, if from no higher motive, must delight to 
retain such in its most honorable places. Even an unholy 
System, worked by unholy men, laboring to secure unholy 
ends, if it desire to perpetuate itself, will, for this very pur- 
pose, ever employ its best qualified materials. But who is 
to be judge in such cases ? Every man, except it be in very 
unusual and extraordinary cases, by the force of his own char- 
acter, rises to his true position ; and then, all that the System 
has to do in such cases, is to sanction what appears to be a 

II manifest destiny" 

When ability fails, as fail it must; then, by an inevitable 
law, a law not belonging to our System only, but exhibited 
in all the pursuits of life, such must fall back and give place 
to the vigorous and strong. That our System has its defects 
cannot be denied, and what human system has not 1 But 
notwithstanding these defects, the sublime workings of the 






PKEFACE. V 

great Methodist Itinerancy, challenges the admiration of the 
world. Other religious communities acknowledge it. Our 
own ministers, in their present improved and happy condition, 
are a practical illustration of it. Our generally contented and 
prosperous churches demonstrate it. The numbers of young 
men, who crowd our Conference doors, more than the church 
can supply with places, asking for admission, seeing the be- 
nign influence of the Itinerancy upon those who enter it; and 
believing that the little friction, which, in consequence of its 
magnitude, may sometimes occur, tends rather to "brighten 
its subjects, than grind them to powder. These, all, 
with united voice, declare the System good. Else, why seek 
so ardently to enter? or, why so much afflicted when they do 
not succeed ? 

With the clear and certain knowledge of all these things 
resting upon my mind, and the conviction of their truthful- 
ness deepening every day; judge of my surprise, on taking 
up a little publication, entitled, " My Father Braddock," 
being, as its title sets forth, " A History of the Trials, Suffer- 
ings, Sacrifices and Wrongs of this good old man and his 
family in the Methodist Itinerancy," by Rev. John Smith, 
A. M., M. D. I read it with clear attention. As I laid it 
down, I said, " Notwithstanding the author professes an ardent 
attachment to the M. E. Church, could the veriest enemy 
write more bitter things of her Ecclesiastical System V* At 
its statements of "oppression" "Tremendous Tyranny" and 
11 grinding to powder," my heart burned with righteous indig- 
nation ', and so do the hearts of our ministers, their wives and 
families, together with our people generally. We therefore 
hail with emotions of profound joy, the appearance of "Grand- 
father Braddock," as an antidote to the one-sided and 
partial teachings of that pernicious book. With the author, 
Rev. Frank F. Fairview, I have been long and intimately 
acquainted. He is a plain, untitled, earnest, laborious and 
successful Methodist preacher. He knows our System and 
loves it. This is why he writes this book. In his long and 
familiar acquaintance with Methodism, he does not know a 
single " Father Braddock," not one. Nor do I. But we 
do know, both of us, blessed be God, many cheerful and hap- 
py old Grandfather Braddocks ; who, now that their work 
is done, sit in their tent doors, and shout over the victories 



VI PREFACE. 

achieved by their sons in the Gospel. These are the men who 
suffered most ; for they had large, rough circuits, hard work, 
and poor fay ; yet they were happy in their icork, and thought 
then, and still think, our System almost perfection. And now, 
while the young men cry Reform, the Grandfathers, with 
tearful eyes, urge us, if we will preserve the church, to stand by 
the ancient land-marks. This we will do if God shall help 
us; accepting such modifications only, as the providence of 
God from time to time shall clearly indicate. 

Go forth, then, my old and God-honored " Grandfather 
Braddock," on thy mission of truth ; and wherever thy pre- 
decessor, " Father Braddock," and his biographer, Dr. Smith, 
have stirred up the waters of strife, say, " Peace, he still." 
And then, after thy cheerful pages have been read and con- 
sidered, I am sure there will be, throughout the church, on 
all these subjects, what there ever should be — a " great 

CALM." 

Henry H. Hopeful. 

Blooming Mount, Aug. 10th, 1859. 



INTRODUCTION 



It affords me great pleasure to write a brief introduction 
to the work of my friend, Rev. Frank F. Fairview. Know- 
ing his strong attachment to Methodism, I was not surprised, 
when I learned that he had taken up his pen in defence of the 
System, on the appearance of "My Father Braddock;" 
which I regard as an unfounded representation of the System ; 
in fact a caricature. 

It was expected that Rev. Enoch Greatheart, Presiding 
Elder of the West District, would have written this Introduc- 
tion j but in view of the prominence given to him in the 
work, he modestly declined the honor. 

The design of the author, in these pages, is to present the 
actual workings of the Methodist Itinerancy, in opposition to 
the exaggerated portraiture of Doctor Smith. 

The principal character introduced, is a veteran Itinerant — 
" Grandfather Braddock " — who, for more than half a 
century, has had multiplied proofs of the excellences of the 
System. He stands forth, indeed, as a noble monument of 
its power. Raised from obscurity, conducted through varied 
conflicts, and leii to the achievement of sublime conquests, 
in life and death, — he appears in bold contrast with the doleful 
picture of " My Father Braddock." 



Vlli INTRODUCTION. 

The smiling countenance, heavenly spirit, and cheering 
words of the Patriarch, will, I am sure, refresh the heart of 
many an Itinerant, and be welcome to the thousands of our 
Israel. 

His comprehensive philosophy, wise counsel, and clear in- 
sight into human character, particularly when he puts on his 
ancient spectacles, will be fully recognised, and, doubtless, 
highly esteemed. 

The acquaintance of his aged companion, Grandmother 
Braddock, will also be valued. She is a fine specimen of a 
devoted Methodist preacher's wife — having a graceful form, 
and a spirit most divine. Her presence will be inspiring 
after the gloomy presentation of " Poor Lotte V Poor, 
indeed ! The full-length portraits which she draws of spu- 
rious Reformers, will not, I presume, be at all flattering to 
their vanity. But the wise will discover that the venerable 
matron makes excellent use of her spectacles. 

The younger branches of the family, in the persons of 
" Jenny," and " Emory," will show themselves to be true 
descendants of noble Methodist ancestors. The loveliness of 
Jenny will win all hearts. Together, they form a happy fam- 
ily circle. 

Of my friends, Elder Greatheart, Mr. Stand-the-storm, Mr. 
Hopeful, and Mr. Gentle-mind, I need not write. They are 
happily introduced, as constant visitors at " Itinerant's 
Retreat." Elder Greatheart is a worthy representative of 
the Presiding Eldership j — a class frequently traduced, yet, 
really seeking the well-being of their brethren, and the inte- 
rests of the Church. His companions are accurate types of 
men who abound in our ranks, who are carving out a glo- 
rious immortality ! 

The author has endeavored, as far as possible, to avoid per- 
sonalities. His reference to the character and acts of " My 



INTRODUCTION. IX 

Father Braddock," is based solely upon the declaration of 
his Biographer — that a Class, and not an individual is in- 
tended. He would not awaken an additional pang in the 
bosom of any afflicted brother. Deeds, not words, show that 
he has a real sympathy for his brethren. 

With Dr. Smith, Mr. Fairview has, in my judgment, dealt 
with moderation, considering the aggravated character of his 
assault upon our beloved Methodism. 

I hope that the forbearance of my friend will be appreciated 
by him, and that he will, by a timely repentance, avert utter 
destruction. 

Such then, brie%, is the character of the work. True 
Reform is strenuously advocated ; while spurious Reform 
or, true Reform placed on a false basis, is as strenuously op- 
posed. The suggestions of the Patriarch, on this point, claim 
a careful perusal. Especially do I invite the attention of the 
reader, to the Paper of Elder Greatheart, in the thir- 
teenth chapter, as containing a fine summary of the arguments 
of Dr. Smith. 

The work has my hearty commendation. If it shall 
remove temptation from the mind of any young man, who 
may hesitate to enter the Itinerancy, in view of the forbidding 
features of u My Father Braddock ;" and if it shall cheer 
the spirit of our fathers, and their loyal sons and daughters ; 
it will, I presume, meet the highest expectations of its 
author. And we shall devoutly, and unitedly, pray, that the 
Methodist Itinerancy may still achieve its triumphs, in 
elevating men, and qualifying them for mighty action in the 
Church of God — as in the case of Grandfather Braddock, 
and thousands of others ; and that Methodism may fulfil its 
grand mission of " spreading Scriptural holiness over all 
lands." Theophilus T. Trueman. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

Grandfather Braddock at Home — Interior view of Itinerant's Retreat, 13 



CHAPTER II. 

Portraits of some of Grandfather Braddock's choice friends — They 
visit the Retreat, and introduce " Father Braddock." ... 19 

CHAPTER III. 

A little more home scenery— Jenny reads " Father Braddock " aloud 
— Family comments, 26 

CHAPTER IV 

The Patriarch peeps through his spectacles, at " Father Braddock " 
— His character and works estimated — And particularly his 
"wrongs," 33 

CHAPTER V. 

A general talk ahout the Methodist Itinerancy, interspersed with 
pages from Grandfather Braddock's experience, .... 42 

CHAPTER VI. 

A few more pages from Grandfather Braddock's experience — He peeps 
through his spectacles at Dr. Smith's skepticism ahout Providence, 49 

(11) 



il CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VII. 

PACE 

A little more about appointments — The great millstone of Lay influence, 58 

CHAPTER VIII. 

A tea-party at the Retreat — Two of the Doctors of Reform, present — 
Elder Greatheart and Dr. Smith have a nice talk, .... 68 

CHAPTER IX. 

Reform and Reformers — Grandmother Braddoek relates a remarkable 
dream — She has gloomy forebodings, as also some of her friends, 79 

CHAPTER X. 

Methodist Bishops — Their powers, responsibilities, and administration 
— Grandmother Braddock's opinion of the " High Churchman," 
who so wofully used up Elder Blackburn, . S8 

CHAPTER XL 

Sensation Preachers — Who they are, and what they do — Grandfather 
Braddoek gives his candid views, 99 

CHAPTER XII. 

Conference scenes — Great speech of Dr. Smith, the delivery of which 
was not " prevented by the extended debate on slavery," . . 110 

CPAPTER XIII. 

Fifteen chapters in one : or, the Smith Philosophy of Reform in a nut- 
shell, ...... 119 

CHAPTER XIV. 

True Reform— Grandfather Braddoek makes some valuable sugges- 
tions, which the wise will understond, 130 

CHAPTER XV. 

The Patriarch sleeps his last sleep — His joy and triumph in death — In- 
terview with Dr. Smith. 140 



EVENINGS 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK 



CHAPTER I. 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK AT HOME INTERIOR VIEW 

OF "itinerant's RETREAT." 

Reader, Grandfather Braddock greets you with 
smiles, and a warm shake of the hand. 

And who is Grandfather Braddock ? 

He is an Itinerant Veteran — a near kinsman of " Fa- 
ther Braddock," ecclesiastically, but greatly dissimilar 
in views, feelings, and acts. 

He is a man of patriarchal appearance. 

More than seventy winters have left their frosts upon 
his brow, and time has ploughed deep furrows in his 
cheeks. 

Yet he is still possessed of a good degree of bodily 
vigor, and his mental faculties are unimpaired. 

The temperate habits of his life, the equanimity of his 
temper, and the richness of his religious experience, have 
combined to give him comfort in his declining years. 

His keen eye sparkles with intelligence. 

His high forehead, WTinkled indeed now, bespeaks the 
strength of his intellectual endowments. 

(13) 



14 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

He is a man of deep penetration, and remarkable for 
his clear insight into human character. 

Indeed, many of the children think that he can dis- 
cern spirits, particularly when he has on his ancient 
spectacles. 

He is a great favorite among the young folks. 

They often visit his cottage, to hear his pleasant 
stories about his itinerant life, and to enjoy his patri- 
archal smiles and benedictions. 

Grandfather Braddock is a great philosopher. 

In estimating men and things, he surveys the whole 
ground, before arriving at conclusions. 

His philosophy would never allow him to judge of a 
system by its workings in isolated cases. 

Its operations as a whole, must be duly considered, 
before he will render his decision. 

Having been connected with the Methodist Itinerancy 
for more than fifty years, he has had full opportunity 
to test it ; and his opinions in this connection are 
invaluable. 

He entertains the highest regard for the SYSTEM. 

Whenever he alludes to it, his big heart swells with 
joyous emotions. 

As he recounts its toils and triumphs, he exclaims, 
" Bless the Lord for his goodness /" 

The philosophy of Grandfather Braddock has had a 
happy personal application in his case, so that it has 
sweetened the cup of his declining years. 

In making his observations, the patriarch was led to 
apprehend clearly the existence of an immutable law, 
making it necessary for old men to retire from the front 
of the battle, and leave younger and more vigorous ones 
to occupy their places. 

This law he saw operating in the Itinerancy, yet not 
peculiarly, for it pervades all the circles of human life. 

As a true Christian philosopher, therefore, he bowed 
submissively, though not without a struggle, to the be- 
hests of Divine Providence. 



GRANDFATHER ERADDOCK. 15 

He became a Supernumerary, some years ago. 

Tears flowed freely, and his heart was agonized, when 
he asked the Conference to grant him that relation. 

He was not entirely worn out ; and yet the finger of 
Providence clearly indicated his course, and he retired 
from the effective ranks without a murmur. 

He is now in his humble cottage, which the patriarch 
styles, "Itinerant's Retreat." 

It is a pleasant little home, on the outskirts of the city 
of , and was purchased for him by some of his de- 
voted friends. 

They said, " The good old man shall have a quiet 
resting-place." 

Come with me, kind reader, and take a survey of 
"Itinerant's Retreat." 

You will behold a scene upon which an angel's eye 
might look with delight. 

The cottage is beautifully shaded with a variety of 
trees and shrubbery. 

The flowers in the garden are in full bloom, and waft- 
ing their fragrance up to every window, and through 
every room of the good man's dwelling. 

In appearance, the cottage contrasts strongly with the 
stately mansions in its immediate vicinity. 

But it has ample room and conveniences, to meet the 
wishes of Grandfather Braddock and his family. 

Look in upon the domestic circle, gentle reader, it will 
charm you. 

The patriarch sits in his arm chair — the old arm chair 
— which has been his companion through many years of 
his Itinerant life. 

He never hears that plaintive song, 

" THE OLD ARM CHAIR," 

without having a thousand grateful remembrances awak- 
ened. 

Near by is a little stand, upon which rests the family 
Bible, and other books. Just now there is a copy of 



16 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

" Stevens' History of Methodism, vol. i." — and Wakeley's 
" Heroes of Methodism" — and, " Lost Chapters from the 
early history of Methodism." 

Grandmother Braddock still survives. 

She has been the faithful companion of Grandfather 
Braddock in all his toils — and has rejoiced with him in 
his multiplied successes. 

She still lives to bless her honored companion. 

She is a real matron of the olden time. 

Everything about the cottage must be, as she expresses 
it, "in apple-pie order." 

Neatness reigns, therefore, in Itinerant's Retreat. 

Grandmother Braddock is devotedly attached to 
Methodism. 

She never hears the system lightly spoken of, with- 
out a shudder. 

On all such occasions, she is heard to say, "Lord, 
have mercy on them!" 

She never repines because they are secluded from the 
busy world. 

She often says, " Grandfather and I can sit at the 
cottage door now, and look on, if we cannot work, as we 
used to do, in the Lord's vineyard. 

They often talk together of the past ; and tears of joy 
run down their aged cheeks. 

Sometimes, they shout a little, when they become right 
happy. 

The old lady used to shout lustily, when Grandfather 
Braddock got on what he called " his high horse" — and 
she insists upon it, to this day, " that the Christian has 
a right to shout." 

Itinerant's Retreat is rendered increasingly joyous by 
the presence of two grandchildren — the survivors of 
Grandfather Braddock's only son. 

The one is a sweet girl of sixteen summers, named 
"Jenny." 

She is a charming singer, and often delights the old 
people, with her melodious songs. 



GRANDFATHER ERADDOCK. 17 

She also relieves the tedium of many an hour, by read- 
ing to her grand-parents. 

Grandmother Braddock gives her daily lessons in the 
science of house-keeping. 

She says, " Jenny must be a good housekeeper — 
that, like enough, some day she may be the wife of a 
Methodist Preacher. 

Jenny is as gentle as a lamb, ever happy, and never 
more so, than when she can do anything for the comfort 
of her grand-parents. 

She joined the church about two years ago. 

This caused great rejoicing in The Retreat. 

She is evidently living near the Saviour, and, as the 
patriarch observes her "meek and quiet spirit," he ex- 
claims, " Bless the Lord for his goodness /" 

The other member of the cottage circle is a grand- 
son. 

His father gave him the name of "Emory," after one 
of our Bishops. 

He often said, " that he hoped that from a child he 
might know the Scriptures," and he devoutly prayed, 
"that he might be an honored ambassador of Christ." 

Emory is a bright little fellow, now in his twelfth 
year. 

He is fond of asking questions, and keeps his grand- 
father busy in answering them. 

There is a vein of mischief, too, running through his 
composition ; and sometimes he asks questions, as he 
says, "to try to puzzle his grandfather." 

The parents of Jenny and Emory, both sleep in the 
grave. 

Their father was a true-hearted Methodist Preacher. 

His career was short, but brilliant. 

He was an eloquent preacher — devoted to the Itine- 
rancy, and never aspired to high positions. 

He often said, " that he desired to be sent where there 
were people to preach to, and where sinners might be 
converted." 
2 



18 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

Many were brought to Christ through his instrument- 
ality, during his brief career. 

He died glorifying Grod that he had been counted 
worthy to have a place in the Methodist ministry. 

He died as a conqueror, in full hope of a glorious im- 
mortality. 

His companion, feeble in constitution, soon followed 
him to the tomb. 

This left Jenny and Emory to the care of their grand- 
parents. 

Together, they form a happy family group. 

A holy atmosphere pervades "Itinerant's Retreat." 

"The day glides sweetly o'er their heads, 
Made up of innocence and love ; 
And soft and silent as the shades, 
Their nightly minutes gently move." 

Such, kind reader, is Grandfather Braddock at 
Home. 



GRANDFATHER BBADDOCK. 19 



CHAPTER II. 

PORTRAITS OF SOME OF GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK'S 
CHOICE FRIENDS — THEY VISIT THE RETREAT, AND 
INTRODUCE "FATHER BRADDOCK." 

Itinerant's Retreat is often visited by Methodist 
Preachers. 

That is, those of congenial temperament resort 
thither. 

Aspiring ones, ever aiming at some high position, and 
complaining, if their aspirations are not realized, are sel- 
dom found there — the scenery and the atmosphere are 
not suited to them. 

There are certain members of the Conference who are 
constant visitors, and ever receive a cordial welcome. 

As they enter, Grandfather Braddock rises from 
his arm chair, and gives them a true patriarchal greeting, 

"Elder Greatheart " is one of those friends. He is 
at present Presiding Elder of the " West District." 

He was selected to occupy his present position, in con- 
sequence of his rare excellences. 

The Bishop, having no favorites to reward, but design- 
ing to glorify God, and to secure the best interests of 
the church, appointed him. 

Having carefully watched his movements in Confer- 
ence, he was fully satisfied of his eminent qualifications. 
His dignified bearing, weighty words, and uniform 
respect for the feelings of his brethren, the comprehen- 
siveness of his views, and the energy of his character — 



20 GRANDFATHER ERABDOCK. 

all tended to impress the Bishop favorably ; and hence 
his elevation to the post of Presiding Elder. 

Elder Greatheart challenges the admiration of his bre- 
thren, and largely engages their affections in performing 
the functions of his office. 

He is an original thinker — quite a logician — and 
preaches at Quarterly Meetings with great eloquence 
and power. 

He is a bold and fearless man, endeavoring to respect 
the rights of the preachers, on one hand, and the rights 
of the people, on the other. 

Some disaffected spirits, who continually show uneasi- 
ness, unless on the high road to preferment, insinuate 
at times, " that Elder Greatheart is partial," " that he 
has his favorites." 

But the wise understand these ebullitions, and quietly 
say, Alas I for disappointed ambition ! 

Elder Greatheart never resents any of these imputa- 
tions. 

He goes on his way, conscious of his integrity, only 
regretting that any of his brethren should be Itinerants 
in name, without the spirit of sacrifice, essential to their 
success. 

Elder Greatheart is a special favorite of Grandfather 
Braddock. 

He often goes to the old man's cottage, seeking coun- 
sel, and soliciting an interest in his prayers. 

He feels deeply his official responsibility, and has but 
one object in view, viz : to have his brethren placed in 
the most comfortable positions possible, ajid the true in- 
terests of the church secured. 

Certain would-be-Reformers, who are ready to tear 
down the system of Methodism, and build it up again to 
suit their notions, are wont to sneer at his professions, 
saying, " Oh, yes ; he can talk very fair to our faces, 
and then go and stab us in the Bishop's cabinet !" But 
they are vastly mistaken. 

He has a generous sympathy for his brethren, and 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 21 

when one of them is called to occupy a new or difficult 
field of labor, he is ready to share his burden, and to 
encourage him in his arduous labors. 

Such, reader, is Elder Greatheart. 

Another visitor at Itinerant's Retreat, is " Mr. Stand- 
the-storm." 

He is a man of great courage and perseverance. 

Place him in whatever position you may, he will work 
his way through. 

All the favor he has to ask of the Bishop, he says, is 
to give him plenty of work to do. 

He glories in being able, through Divine grace, to sur- 
mount formidable difficulties. 

He has an athletic frame, a fertile and well-cultivated 
mind, no ordinary amount of pulpit ability, and is one 
of the best pastors in the Conference. 

He loves to sweep through a section of country, or 
along the streets of a village, town, or city, and visit 
from house to house, praying with the people, and ex- 
horting them to flee to Christ. 

He goes in for doing something, for creating the right 
kind of a " sensation" He likes "crowds" and espe- 
cially to see " croivds " of penitents at the altar. 

"Some," he says, "don't like ' sensations,' for the 
simple reason that they find themselves incapable of pro- 
ducing them." 

" Mr. Stand-the-storm " requires a wide field, where 
he can swing himself, and reap an abundant harvest for 
his Master. 

He is not particular ivhere it is. 

You may send him to " Break-neck- Hill ," or to 
" Death-Hollow," and you cannot daunt him. 

He will mount his horse when he receives his appoint- 
ment, and go singing, 

" I'm a soldier for Jesus, 
I've 'listed iu the war, 
And I'll fiirht on till I die." 



22 GRANDFATHER ERADDUCK. 

Grandfather Braddock receives "Mr* Stand-the- 
Storm " at the Retreat, with one of his blandest 
smiles, and sometimes the old man warmly embraces 
him. 

" Mr. Gentle-mind " is another of the frequent visitors 
at Itinerant's Retreat. 

He is a much younger man than either "Elder Great- 
heart," or "Mr. Stand-the-storm." 

He loves the society of those of elevated views, and 
uncompromising devotion to the work of the Itinerancy. 

He seeks counsel at the hands of his elder brethren, 
anxious to be a successful minister of the New Tes- 
tament. 

He breathes a kindly spirit, and often modestly checks 
his brethren, when he hears them complain of their hard 
allotments. 

He bids them " think of the Divine Redeemer, who, 
though he was rich, for our sakes became poor, that we, 
through his poverty might be rich." 

He reminds them of the fact, that "i2ehad not where 
to lay his head." 

And he says, " Shall we complain, brethren, and make 
ourselves unhappy, because we cannot always be placed 
in the most comfortable circumstances ? There are hard 
appointments, and some must fill them. Shall we not 
be disposed to share them with our brethren ?" 

The high minded, and those who are disposed to look 
at matters through jaundiced eyes, and to think that 
everybody is wrong but themselves, laugh at "Mr. 
Gentle-mind," for what they term, "his innocent sim- 
plicity." 

Disliking to be in the assemblies of these complainers, 
the secret of whose complaint is really " disappointed 
ambition" he withdraws himself. 

He cannot bear to hear their assaults upon Method- 
ism. 

He fully subscribes to the doctrine, that time and Pro- 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCX. 23 

vidence will naturally work out needed reforms, without 
resorting to violent expedients. 

" Mr. Gentle-mind " often goes to spend an evening 
in the quiet cottage of Grandfather Bracldock. 

The Patriarch manifests towards him great kindness. 

Grandmother Braddock, also, has a high regard for 
him, and often speaks of him as one of her special fa- 
vorites. 

" The dear little man," she says, " shall always be 
welcome here." 

Jenny, too, is particularly fond of him — " The kind- 
ness of his spirit, and the gentleness of his words," she 
says, " is so like heaven" 

One more visitor at Itinerant's Retreat must be men- 
tioned—it is "Mr. Hopeful," 

He has a noble form, and a pleasant countenance. 

He creates an atmosphere of joy wherever he moves. 

He always looks at the bright side of the picture. 

Whenever "Mr. Doubtful," "Mr. Suspicious," "Mr. 
Know-Everytking," or "Mr. Radical" attempt to draw 
their dark pictures, he checks them at once. 

He eloquently depicts the past. 

He enumerates the triumphs of Methodism. 

He surveys pleasurably her present noble position — 
challenging as she does the admiration of her sister 
churches. 

He expatiates with interest upon the bright future 
opening upon her ! 

Do some of the violent Reformers suggest an " Impend- 
ing crisis" — in that, the cloud of slavery is throwing 
its dark shadows upon us ? 

" Never mind that," responds Mr. Hopeful, " Meth- 
odism has had many a darker cloud covering her, and 
yet she has at length come out into clear sunshine. 
That question will be set to rest in due time." 

Do others suggest, Our Bishops are getting to be 
swayed by "sycophants," and by "self constituted 



24 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

Committees" who besiege the doors of the Cabinet and 
say, We loill have it so ? 

" Oh ! that is all nonsense," replies Mr. Hopeful. 
" True merit will always shine, through even clouds 
of ' Committees,' and men of the right stamp cannot be 
kept down." 

If they will let outside speculations alone, our preachers 
will find themselves appreciated by Bishops, Presiding 
Elders, and " Committees/' 

The people want men who work, and accomplish some- 
thing. 

They want men of one work. 

They want men who are good Pastors — and ener- 
getic preachers. 

Let a man be a true minister, devoted to one work, 
and applying himself diligently to the performance of its 
sacred duties, and he will find no occasion to quarrel with 
Bishops, Presiding Elders, or "Committees" — whether 
"responsible," or "irresponsible." 

Such are some of the sentiments of " Mr. Hopeful" — 
and these specimens will clearly indicate his character. 

Reader, I have introduced to you some of the choice 
friends of Grandfather Braddock. 

On a lovely summer's eve, "Elder Greatheart," "Mr. 
Stand-the-storm," "Mr. Gentle-mind," and " Mr. Hope- 
ful," wended their way to Itinerant's Retreat. 

Grandfather Braddock rose to receive them, as they 
entered the cottage, with his accustomed cordiality, and 
Grandmother Braddock also manifested great kindness. 

"What now, beloveds?" enquired the Patriarch. 

"We have news for you," said Elder Greatheart. 

"Ah! indeed!" responded Grandfather Braddock: 
" I hope it is good news." 

"We will leave you to judge of that," replied the 
Elder. "We have brought you a new book." 

"Well," said the old man, "I thank you for your 
kindness. But what is it ? Is it the 2nd vol. of Stevens' 
History of Methodism? I am looking anxiously for it 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 2$ 

every day. I had thought of getting Jenny to write to 
the Book Concern, to enquire when it is coming out. 
I want to read it all before I die — it is so good- I love 
to read everything good about our beloved Methodism." 

"It is not that, I am sorry to say," responded Elder 
Greatheart. 

"What then is it?" 

"It is entitled: 



My Father Braddock 



being, ' The history of the trials, sufferings, sacrifices, 
and ivrongs of this good old man and his family, in the 
Methodist Itinerancy.' " 

" Mercy on us!" exclaimed Grandmother Braddock, 
" an enemy hath done that, surely !" 

"No, grandmother," said Elder Greatheart; "it is 
written by one of our brethren, a member of our con- 
ference, I mean Rev. John Smith, a. m., m. d." 

" The Lord have mercy on him /" ejaculated Grand- 
mother. 

At this announcement Grandfather Braddock adjusted 
his spectacles — looked earnestly at Elder Greatheart — 
and asked, "Whether he was not jolting f" 

The Elder responded negatively. 

" You surprise me!" said the Patriarch. 

"Well, it is even so;" replied Elder Greatheart. 
" We have not, however, come to discuss the matter 
now. We have brought you a copy of the Book, read it 
carefully, and a few evenings hence we will visit you, 
and have a little talk about it." 

"I will examine it faithfully, as you desire," said 
Grandfather Braddock, " and I shall be happy to see 
you soon." 



26 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 



CHAPTEK III. 

A LITTLE MORE HOME SCENERY — JENNY READS " FATHER 
BRADDOCK" ALOUD — FAMILY COMMENTS. 

The evening shades were settling around Itinerant's 
Retreat. 

It was the close of a lovely summer's day. 

The sun had retired behind the western hills in glory, 
tinging every object in nature with living beauty ! 

It had been a busy day in the Retreat. 

Grandmother Bracldock had displayed unusual activity 
in her household matters, in order to snatch a few min- 
utes now and then, for Jenny to read a chapter or two 
of " Father Braddoc~k" 

Grandfather Braddock had evidently been in a very 
thoughtful mood. 

His appetite, too, seemed to be considerably affected. 

His good wife had roasted a pair of fine chickens for 
dinner, and prepared, very nicely, some fresh vegetables 
from their little garden. She thought she had provided 
an extra good dinner. 

But Grandfather Braddock did not seem inclined to 
eat, and the old lady observed that, at times, his eyes 
were filled with tears, as though something greatly af- 
flicted him. 

"What is the matter with you, my dear?" she affec- 
tionately enquired. " I thought I had a very nice din- 
ner for you to-day. The chickens sent in by our good 
neighbor were very tender, and Jenny and I tried our 
best to cook them well. And then, Jenny made that 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 27 

apple pie with her own hands, and I am sure it was 
baked splendidly." 

"Yes," said Grandfather Braddock, "it was all very 
good, but I had no appetite to-day." 

" Grandpa," said Jenny, " I think you must be sick." 

" Your grandpa is sick, my dear." 

"Had we not better send for the Doctor?" enquired 
Jenny, with much earnestness. 

" No, Jenny, I do not need the Doctor — it is heart- 
sickness that I feel. It grieves me so, that our excellent 
brother ' Smith' should have made that bitter assault 
upon our beloved Methodism. This has been a sorrow- 
ful day to me, my child. However, I want to hear you 
read the remaining chapters, as soon as your grandma 
has put away the tea things." 

Grandmother Braddock was making all possible haste 
to clear up. 

At length everything was arranged, and she said, 
"Now, we are ready." 

Before proceeding, the Patriarch conducted family 
worship. He read a portion of God's word, but his voice 
was tremulous, and each member of the family sympa- 
thized with him in his painful emotions. 

Grandmother had frequently to wipe away the tears, 
with the corner of her handkerchief. 

Jenny, also, wept much. She was not used to seeing 
Grandfather so full of sorrow. He was generally so 
happy, and joyful. 

Even Emory looked sober for once, though so mis- 
chievous. 

They kneeled in prayer ! 

It was a solemn, and memorable hour ! 

The Patriarch prayed with much fervency. His heart 
was drawn out in behalf of Methodism. 

He recounted the kind dealings of Heaven, with him 
and his family, in the Itinerancy. He said, Oh ! with 
what emphasis : " Thy servant, O Lord ! has no com- 
plaints to make, or ' ivrongs' to be redressed, in connec- 



28 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

tion with this great work m which he has spent his 
life. 

" We bless thee, Lord ! for thy goodness !" And, 
as he gave utterance to this sentence, his big heart 
swelled with indescribable emotion. 

He prayed devoutly for the Bishops — for the Presid- 
ing Elders — and all his brethren. 

He prayed for the increased prosperity of Method- 
ism. 

He prayed for the assailants of Methodism — and said, 
with great importunity : " (rood Lord, change their 
hearts I 

" Especially Oh ! Lord, we beseech thee graciously to 
remember our dear brother ' Smith,' and show him the 
error of his way, and incline him to repent." 

At this point, Grandmother Braddock loudly cried, 
"Amen!" 

The fullness of Jenny's young heart, also, found re- 
lief in the same response. 

The Patriarch rose from his knees. He was now calm, 
and his face was radiant with smiles. 

" Bless the Lord for his goodness /" exclaimed the 
good old man ; "it is a precious privilege to pray. Now, 
I feel better. I did not think that I could bear the 
reading of any more of that pernicious book ; but I have 
thrown off my burden at the foot of the Cross. Bless the 
Lord !" 

The family were now composed for the reading. 

Grandfather Braddock laid down his spectacles, and 
comfortably seated himself in the old arm chair. 

Grandmother took possession of the time-honored 
rocker, and got out her knitting, for she was a famous 
knitter. 

"Before commencing to read, Jenny, my child," said 
Grandfather Braddock, " I wish to caution you against 
allowing this book to exert its poisonous influence upon 
your young and tender mind. It is not to be regarded 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 29 

as a truthful, or candid view of the Methodist Itine- 
rancy." 

"Never fear, grandpa," responded Jenny, "I have 
seen too much of the happy influence of the System in 
your case. And I remember, too, the triumphant death 
of my dear father. He said, when he was dying, ' I 
love the Methodist Itinerancy.' Doctor Smith cannot 
poison my mind." 

"Well, well, my child, I am glad to hear you say 
that." 

Emory stood near his grandpa's chair, as the reading 
commenced, casting mischievous glances at his sister. 

True to his mischievous disposition, before Jenny had 
proceeded far, he shouted, " Grandpa ! grandpa ! I want 
to ask you a question." 

" Well, what is it, Emory?" 

" Why, I want to know if that picture on the cover 
of Dr. Smith's Book is a fair specimen of the kind of 
horses that Methodist preachers ride — I mean the horse 
that ' My Father Braddock ' is represented as riding. 
It looks to me like an old cart-horse. What clumsy 
limbs he has !" 

" Oh, no," replied Grandfather Braddock; "I never 
rode such a horse, and the times were a great deal worse 
then than they are now. I never knew but one Metho- 
dist preacher who did ride such a horse, and the people 
had him removed from the circuit at the close of his 
first year. They said, that they would not have a 
preacher who would keep such a horse as that." 

" Well, may-be the book-maker did not know how to 
draw a good looking horse. I can draw a better horse 
than that myself," said Emory. 

"I should think," remarked Grandmother Braddock, 
u that the writer of the book intended to have it so, to 
be in keeping with the shocking plight of ' My Father 
Braddock,' which he describes. You may well say, 
Grandfather, that you never rode such a horse. Our 
Charley never looked like that." 



30 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

" How I wish you had Charley, now !" exclaimed 
Emory. " Wouldn't I mount him and ride around ?" 

" Don't say any more about the horse," said Grand- 
father Braddock. " The picture made my heart ache 
the moment I saw it, and I felt a little indignant, too. 
Methodist preachers don't ride such shabby, clumsy look- 
ing horses ■, no how.''' 

" Grandpa, grandpa !" shouted Emory again, " I want 
to ask you another question." 

"Now," interposed Grandmother Braddock, " I think 
I shall have to send you to bed, Emory, if you don't 
stop your mischievous questions. We want to hear 
Jenny read." 

" One more question, grandma, and then I won't ask 
any more to-night. Grandpa loves to answer my ques- 
tions, I know he does. I wish to know," continued 
Emory, "what those capital letters mean, after the name 
of ' Bev. John Smith,' 

A. M. M. D.? 
Don't it mean this, A Monstrous Mad Dog ?" 

As he propounded this question, the little mischievous 
fellow burst into a fit of immoderate laughter. The 
company, despite an effort to repress it, had to partici- 
pate somewhat. Grandmother, however, looked froivn- 
ingly. 

" Oh, Emory ! what made you say that ?" inquired 
the Patriarch, reprovingly. " What did put that queer 
thing in your head ? Don't you know the writer is a 
Methodist Preacher?" 

"Forgive me, grandpa," said Emory, in a beseeching 
tone. " I know I'm very mischievous. I suppose the 
old serpent that you tell me about, put that in my 
head. I won't say so any more. But, what does it 
mean, grandpa, any how?" 

"Why, ' A. M.,' means Master of Arts. Of what 
Arts the writer of this book is Master, I am not able to 
say. Of one art he seems to be a perfect master, viz : — 
The Art of making much ado about nothing. 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 31 

"'M. D.,' means Doctor of Medicine. Some Me- 
thodist preachers, now-a-days, study medicine, and get 
this title, in order to be more effective in the tvorJc of saving 
souls. By being able to minister to the body, they are 
often the better able to minister to the soul. So, I 
do not know that I have any particular objection to it." 

" I have my doubts about that" remarked Grandmo- 
ther Braddock, "in some cases at least." 

" Well, well, let Jenny read, now," suggested Grand- 
father Braddock. 

She resumed the reading. 

She reached the sad close of "My Father Brad- 
dock's " Itinerant career, as described by his pathetic 
biographer. 

She read the following sentence : — 

" Garnish the sepulchres of the righteous ! !" 
But they did not Ml him ! Who did ? WHO BROKE 
MY FATHER BRADDOCK'S HEART? WHO 
SENT HIM LIVING TO A DISHONORED 
GRAVE? THE SYSTEM! Reader, THE SYS- 
TEM ! ! ! 

At this, the Patriarch was seized with a strange trem- 
bling. He looked terror-stricken ! 

"Who would have thought it?" he exclaimed. "A 
Methodist Preacher write that ! Am I not dream- 
ing ? Read it again, Jenny, that I may be sure that I 
heard correctly." 

She repeated it, and the venerable man dropped his 
head upon his breast, and burst into a flood of tears. 

It was some time before he could recover himself suf- 
ficiently, to allow Jenny to proceed. 

Grandmother threw down her knitting, and the tears 
rolled down her aged cheeks, also, and she groaned with 
agony I 

Jenny deeply sympathized with her grand-parents. 
She tried, however, to continue, but her voice was at 



62 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

times choked with the emotions of her tender and refined 
nature. 

The flow of tears afforded relief to those aged hearts, 
so overburdened with grief. 

A pause ensued. 

Jenny was at a loss whether to proceed, or to lay 
down the book. 

Silence was broken by Grandfather Braddock. 

" This," said he, "transcends all that I have ever 
seen or heard. Can it be possible that I have lived to 
this day to hear that ? and from a Methodist Preacher, 
too, in regular standing in the Conference ?" 

" Oh ! if I could only see that Dr. Smith," said 
Grandmother, " I would tell him how much he owes to 
Methodism, and I would read him a lecture that he would 
not soon forget, that I would, and my tears should 
plead earnestly against this wicked assault upon Me- 
thodism." 

" Well, go on, Jenny dear," said the Patriarch, "let 
us know the worst of it, if there is anything worse." 

At length, she read the following passage : — 

" No one was responsible for these things, save the 
Bishop — and who could blame him ? All the other 
actors were INVISIBLE. The SYSTEM ivas the only 
responsibility that was tangible : and may Giod break 
down such a system ! Amen I and Amen I / /" 

"There, there," cried Grandfather Braddock, "read 
no more, Jenny. It is horrible ! !" 

"No more," responded Grandmother Braddock, "read 
no more, Jenny." 

And here, kind reader, I drop the curtain on that 
Home Scene. 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 33 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE PATRIARCH PEEPS THROUGH HIS SPECTACLES AT 
"FATHER BRADDOCK" — HIS CHARACTER, AND WORKS, 
ESTIMATED — AND PARTICULARLY HIS "WRONGS." 

Another evening had arrived. 

Just as Grandfather Braddock was finishing his family 
devotions, " Elder Greatheart," " Mr. Stand-the-storm," 
"Mr. Gentle-mind," and "Mr. Hopeful," entered the 
cottage. 

They met a hearty reception from the several mem- 
bers of the family. 

"Well," said Elder Greatheart, "we have come to 
have a little talk with you about ' Father Braddock.'' " 

"We are happy to see you," responded the Patri- 
arch. 

"I propose," said Mr. Stand-the-storm, "that we 
first have a little good old fashioned Methodist singing." 

"That's good," replied Grandmother Braddock, "we 
need something to cheer us up, after reading that queer 
and doleful Book of Doctor Smith's. Jenny loves to 
sing, and we all love it." 

Jenny started the familiar hymn, the first stanza of 
which is as follows : 

u How happy is the pilgrim's lot, 
So free from every anxious thought, 

From worldly hope or fear ; 
Confined to neither court nor cell, 
His soul disdains on earth to dwell, 

He only sojourns here." 



34 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

All joined heartily in the singing, and a holy inspira- 
tion rested upon each heart. 

Grandmother Bracldock had to shout a little, for she 
said, " she never heard that hymn sung but it reminded 
her of old times, and it made her feel so happy." 

" Well, Grandfather, what do you think of ' Fa- 
ther Braddock' by this time?" enquired Elder Great- 
heart. 

The Patriarch carefully arranged his spectacles, and 
proceeded to give his opinion. 

His friends gathered around him, and listened atten- 
tively. 

" Well," said the honored Veteran, " we have given the 
Book a careful examination. Jenny has read it to us 
as she had leisure. Last evening, she reached the place 
where Br. Smith's terrible prayer for the destruction of 
' Tiie System' of Methodism is recorded, printed in 
large capitals, with a double Amen attached. It 
was too much for us old people, my friends, I assure you, 
after all that we have seen and felt of the excellences of 
1 The System,' and we had to give it up for that night. 
Jenny, however, finished the reading to-day." 

" Now, tell us candidly what you think of it," said Mr. 
Stand-the-storm. 

"Well, to be candid," replied the venerable man, "it 
is one of the most unfair, and pernicious works, in my 
judgment, that has ever been published, and, that a pro- 
fessed friend of Methodism, a Methodist Preacher, 
should have done it, is indeed marvelous !" 

" That it is," exclaimed Grandmother Braddock. 
" The Lord have mercy on Mm, I say !" 

" What estimate have you formed of the character and 
acts of ' Father Braddock?' " enquired Mr. Hopeful. 

" That is a point on which my mind has been dwell- 
ing considerably," responded the Patriarch. " The con- 
clusion that I have reached is this, that the picture is a 
perfect exaggeration. But even taking the case as it is 
presented, allowing the statement of alleged facts to be 



GRANDFATHER BRADD0CK. 85 

faithful in every particular, does it warrant the writer in 
stigmatizing the Appointing Power as a ' tremendous 
Tyranny/ and Methodism, as a System or Despot- 
ism, so much so, indeed, that he writes : 



a i 



In this country, in Republican America- 



above EVERY OTHER POWER, I HAD LIKED TO HAVE 
SAID, OUGHT TO BE BROKEN DOWN !' 

" This is monstrous," said the Patriarch, with much 
earnestness. 

"I know ' Father Braddock ' very well," continued 
the old man. " I have known him for a number of 
years. He has been a faithful and successful Methodist 
preacher. I regret exceedingly, that he should have 
tarnished his Itinerant history by the course indicated in 
the final issue, as described by his biographer." 

" But he was placed between two great mill-stones, 
the one a 'fixed Episcopacy,' and the other, 'an un- 
settled people,' and he must either take the course 
that he did, or be ground to poivder," remarked Mr. 
Stand-the-storm, very ironically. 

" Oh, that is only a rhetorical flourish !" said Grand- 
father Braddock. " I guess it would puzzle this learned 
Doctor Smith to analyze that sentence, and tell us the 
meaning of 'an unsettled people.' They are a great 
deal more settled, I should think, than the Episco- 
pacy." 

" So I should think," remarked Mr. Hopeful. 

" But I tell you, this is more than a rhetorical flourish 
of this headlong Reformer. Look here at this em- 
phatic and wonderful declaration, printed in great staring 
capitals," said Mr. Stand-the-storm. " Isn't that a spe- 
cimen of this Doctor's love to the church, which his 
friend, 'Elder JBlacJcbum,' says in his Introduction, 
* is so strong that he is sure that nothing short of death 
will sever it.' 

" My opinion is, that it would not take much to send 



3fi GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

Dr. Smith and his friend, the author of the famous In- 
troduction, both, where such violent Reformers usually 
find their destination, out of the church !" 
"Look at this passage in the flaming capitals : 

"'Thus, between the power of the Superin- 
tendency, which, while it shall remain a life 
office, with its unparalleled patronage, is too 
tremendous to resist, and the power of the peo- 
ple, which being not sanctioned by disciplinary 
enactments, nor controlled by them, is utterly 
irresponsible, the true, the humble, faithful 
ministers of jesus, in the methodist e. church, 
are impoverished and crushed, and broken in 
heart. And what may come upon them in the future, 
Grod only knoivsJ 

" There- is love for the church for you, with a venge- 
ance !" 

" So it is," cried Grandmother Braddock. " The Lord 
have mercy on him ! I have no confidence in his love 
for the church." 

"I have been endeavoring to discover," continued the 
Patriarch, " in what the terrible ' WRONGS ' of this ' Fa- 
ther Braddock ' consisted, making it necessary to de- 
nounce the whole Methodist System, as a 'tremendous 
Tyranny,' not to be tolerated under a ' Republican 
Government.' So monstrous, indeed, that the Om- 
nipotence of Heaven must be invoked to ' break 
down The System ' — not the evils of the System, mark 
you." 

" My dear, don't mention that Prayer, with the 
double Amen attached, I beg of you," said Grandmo- 
ther Braddock, "it makes me shudder so !" 

"I think it is very wicked," Jenny ventured tore- 
mark. " How sorry I am that Dr. Smith wrote that ! 
But grandpa prayed for him so fervently, the other eve- 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 37 

ning, that I think the good Lord will incline him to re- 
pent." 

The Patriarch resumed : 

"It strikes me, that, taken as a whole, 'Father Brad- 
dock ' has had rather a good range of appointments, quite 
as good, it would seem, as his abilities would warrant. 
Even ' Break-neck-hill ' did not break his neck, nor 
of any of the family. His biographer writes very poet- 
ically about ' Sweet Bellevue.' " 

"Jenny, read what he says." 

Jenny read : — 

" The people were much blessed under the labors of 
their faithful pastor ; and his influence and that of his 
family changed the moral aspects of the place, and even 
indirectly rendered the bloom of its gardens more beau- 
tiful, and their fragrance sweeter. The steep road up 
the hill was gently graded, ere his two years had ex- 
pired ; and the village was set down in the council- 
chamber, when the next appointment was made for the 
place, as ' Bellevue.' Indeed, there is a piece of 
poetry extant, in which this village is called ' Sweet Bel- 
levue.' " 

" Yes, yes," said Grandfather Braddock, " and what 
does it say about hags of potatoes, and barrels of flour V 
Jenny read again : — 

" Old Squire Du Ross softened down under Father 
Braddock's preaching, and sent to the parsonage many 
a bag of potatoes, and two or three barrels of flour." 

"So it was not $350 after all, then," remarked the 
Patriarch. " And it is often the case, in charges where 
the salary nominally is small, that many such perqui- 
sites are received, which greatly swell the aggregate of 
the preacher's receipts." 

" Yes," said Grandmother Braddock, " don't you re- 



38 GRANDFATHER LRADD0CK. 

member that when we were on ' Death Hollow ' circuit 
our receipts in money, the first year, were only $200, 
and yet the people sent us in meat, and flour, and 
various other things, making altogether $500 or more. 
And if we have 'food and raiment,' the Scripture says, 
' let us therewith be content. ' I think the people ought to 
have some credit for these things, anyhow, and not be 
represented as starving, and breaking the necks of the 
preachers. The people always took good care of us, and 
I believe they always will take care of preachers ivho 
discharge their duty faithfully. I have never seen it to 
fail, and I have watched things a good deal in the Itin- 
erancy. There is no class of ministers in the world, to- 
days who fare better than Methodist Preachers, and 
they are the happiest men alive. And this ' Father 
Braddoch ' lived well at 'Break-neck-Hlll,' quite as 
well, likely, as he ever would, if he had not been a Me- 
thodist Preacher." 

Grandmother delivered this speech with great earnest- 
ness. 

"And then," said Jenny, "what a lovely name was 
given to ' Break-neck-Hill,' in consequence of < Father 
Braddock's ' labors, and what charming poetry is writ- 
ten about ' Sweet Bellevue !' What an honor to 
change the aspects of a place, so that even the bloom of 
its gardens is rendered more beautiful, and their fra- 
grance sweeter !" 

" That would be honor enough, and pay enough for 
me," said Mr. Stand-the-storm. "Just let the Bishop 
send me where I can make ' Break-neck-Hills ' into 
' Bellevues,' and I shall go all the while singing my 
favorite song : 

u I'm a soldier for Jesus, 
I've 'listed in the war, . 
And I'll fight on till I die." 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK, 89 

" I intend to put that beautiful poetry in my scrap- 
book," said Jenny. 

" What are you going to cut it out of the book for ? 
Can't you preserve it in the book ?" enquired Emory. 

" No, brother ; for that book will soon perish, like 
the great mass of questionable yellow covered Lite- 
rature." 

"Oh yes; I didn't think of that," replied Emory. 
" Dr. Smith's book has a yellow paper cover on, and 
looks indeed very much like my copy of ' Jack, the 
Giant Killer,' that Mr. Jones gave me." 

This remark of Emory made the whole company roar 
with laughter. 

Grandmother here interposed, and told Emory " he 
must not be at any of his mischief, or she would certainly 
send him to bed, that the subject they were talking 
about was too serious for little boys to meddle with." 

"Now," resumed Grandfather Braddock, "there is 
one more feature about this affair, in reference to which 
I desire to say something. How came i Father Brad- 
dock ' to take a Supernumerary relation ? Was there 
'■no place for himV Was he crushed by a ' Tremendous 
Tyranny?'" 

" Places were offered to him," responded Elder 
Greatheart. 

"Yes, but his poor wife was sick, and he wanted to 
be accommodated on that account. Was not that a very 
reasonable request, under the circumstances ?" suggested 
Mr. Gentle-mind. 

" True," responded the Patriarch; "and did not the 
Bishop, and Presiding Elders show a disposition to ac- 
commodate him ? Why, then, stigmatize ' The System ' 
as a ' Tremendous Tyranny,' operating to < crush ' 
' My Father Braddock,' because he was an old man ? 
The Methodist Preacher, who will publish such mis- 
representations to the world, should have his cheek crim- 
soned with shame /" 

" They did show a willingness to accommodate him, 



40 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

as far as the general interests of the work would allow, for 
the work must be considered as well as men" remarked 
Mr. Hopeful. " They offered him ' Old Bay Circuit,' 
a place where I could go and be very comfortable." 

" But what about 'Famine Street V " enquired Mr. 
Gentle-mind. 

" Oh, that's all a burlesque !" said Mr. Stand-the- 
storm. " We have no such place in our bounds. It's 
an outrage to call any of our churches by such a name. 
Why, the truth is, the poorest churches in the city, or 
within the bounds of the Conference, would have been 
thought by our fathers to be garden spots." 

"That's a fact," said Grandmother Braddock; "no 
such places in the olden time. We should have thought 
it a paradise ; but these Reformers have got such dread- 
ful high notions, now-a-days, that after the people do 
their best, they will grumble. I think they need a little 
more grace." 

"I wish the Bishop would send me to 'Famine 
Street,' so called" replied Mr. Stand-the-storm. 
" Though the people are mostly poor, in the name of the 
Master I would go to work, and get some of those 
wicked sinners around there (of whom there are plenty) 
converted, and by the grace of God I would make a 
6 Belle vue ' of it, and I would run the risk of a 
famine." 

" That's the kind of talk for a Methodist preacher," 
remarked Elder Greatheart. " But these Doctors of 
Reform have no notion of building up such places, not- 
withstanding they have ' a love for the church, so strong 
that nothing short of death can sever it.' ' 

The evening was now far spent. 

Elder Greatheart and his friends said they must re- 
turn home, promising, however, to spend the next eve- 
ning at the Retreat. 

"Before you go," said Grandfather Braddock, "I 
wish to submit a question for your serious consideration. 
It is this : After the efforts, kindly efforts, I may say, 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 41 

made by the appointing power, to accommodate 
' Father BraddockJ had he any just ground for com- 
plaint, either against The System, or the Administra- 
tors of The System ? And, does not his Biographer, 
this learned ' Doctor,' do violence to all justice and 
propriety in assuming that he had, and hurling his 
anathemas at The System, as a ' Tremendous Ty- 
ranny V " 

"I could throw much light on that question," re- 
marked Elder Greatheart, very significantly, " if 1 could 
be alloived to reveal cabinet secrets. But for the present, 
good-bye." 

" Stay, stay, my friends," said the Patriarch, " a few 
minutes longer. I want Jenny to sing that beautiful 
new piece that she sings for me so often. 

" Jenny, dear, sing that verse. 

u l Then let our songs abound, 
And every tear be dry ; 
We're marching through ImmanueFs ground, 
To fairer worlds on high.' 

" And the chorus you sing with it. 

" ' There'll be no more sorrow there, 
In heaven above, where all is love ; 
There'll be no more sorrow there.' 

Jenny responded to this request with promptness and 
cheerfulness. 

" Oh, how good that is !" said the old man. " It re- 
vives my spirits." 

"Thank the Lord," said Elder Greatheart. "We 
are glad to see you so happy, grandfather. But, once 
more, we must bid you good-night." 



42 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 



CHAPTER V. 

A 

SPERSED WITH PAGES FROM GRANDFATHER BRAD- 
dock's EXPERIENCE. 

The next evening found Elder Greatheart and friends 
at the Retreat, according to promise. 

Mr. Gentle-mind, however, arrived somewhat in ad- 
vance of his comrades. 

He was in time to drink a cup of Grandmother Brad- 
dock's good tea. And then she had baked a " short- 
cake" in which department she greatly excelled. 

She said, " she had been teaching Jenny how to make 
short-cake, so that, if anything occurred to call her to 
the heavenly country, Jenny might be able to get up 
1 nice fixins ' for Grandfather, and for other Methodist 
preachers who might visit the Retreat, after she was 
dead and gone." 

At this allusion to her departure, the tear was seen 
starting to the eye of her venerable companion. 

Tea being ended, and things set in order, the Patri- 
arch invited Mr. Gentle-mind to conduct family worship. 

He read, as a Scriptural lesson, Paul's inimitable de- 
scription of Charity. 

Grandfather Braddock made some excellent comments 
thereon. 

He remarked, " How well would it be for those who 
are tempted to say, or to write hard things about their 
brethren, to study this Divinely inspired chapter !" 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 43 

Mr. Gentle-mind then offered a fervent prayer to the 
throne of grace. 

An opportunity was now presented for a little pleasant 
talk, before the arrival of their expected friends. 

Mr. Gentle-mind took occasion to ask the counsel of 
the Patriarch, in certain matters of perplexity connected 
with his ministry. 

He was yet young, having traveled only a few years, 
and he was anxious to get all the light that he could. 
The old man loved him — he possessed such amiable traits 
of character — and took great delight in imparting to him 
instruction. 

The counsel, and comforting words of the Itinerant 
veteran greatly inspirited him. 

Grandmother Braddock, also, spoke many kind words 
to him. She said, " he was young, and was, as it were, 
alone in the world, his parents having been some time 
dead." She told him to come often, and Grandfather, 
she was sure, would tell him many things that would 
help him in the work of the Itinerancy. 

"He was glad," he said, "to accept these kind 
offers." 

While they were together at this time, Mr. Gentle- 
mind requested Jenny to sing 

"the old arm ciiair." 

She sung it very sweetly. 

Grandfather Braddock was much moved by its senti- 
ments, and plaintive strains. 

" That old arm chair," said he, "J do love it. I 
have carried it with me from appointment to appoint- 
ment, and I'll never part with it." 

"2>To, no," responded his devoted companion; " you 
shall sit in it, my dear, as long as you live, and enjoy 
yourself. Jenny will sing to you, and we will all try to 
make you happy." 

This family talk was interrupted by the entrance 



44 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

of Elder Greatheart, Mr. Stand-the-storm, and Mr. 
Hopeful. 

" Good evening, friends," said the Patriarch, rising 
from the old arm chair, and shaking each of them by the 
hand. " Welcome, friends, to the old man's Retreat." 

" Now for a little more talk about ' Father Brad- 
dock" said Mr. Stand-the-storm. 

" Well," enquired Grandfather Braddock, "have you 
considered the question that I propounded to you, at the 
close of our last evening together?" 

"We have," replied Elder Greatheart, "and have 
come to the same conclusion to which you have evidently 
arrived, viz : That the ' System ' is not worthy of the 
anathemas heaped upon it by Doctor Smith, in his 
Biography of ' My Father Braddock,' and that it is 
a very unfair way, anyhow, of judging of a ' System ' 
by its action in isolated cases. The whole ground should 
be surveyed, and the operations of the System, as a 
whole, considered, before judgment is pronounced." 

" That accords with my philosophy exactly," remarked 
the Patriarch. 

" I guess the ' System ' of Methodism won't suffer 
much in the estimation of intelligent men, by the pre- 
sentation of such overdrawn pictures as that of ■ My 
Father Braddock,' " said Mr. Stand-the-storm. 

" Well," said Grandfather Braddock, "I feel inclined 
to give you a little of my personal experience in the 
Methodist Itinerancy." 

" Good ! good !" exclaimed Mr. Stand-the-Storm, "we 
shall enjoy that exceedingly." 

The veteran placed his antiquated spectacles in their 
appropriate position, with nice precision, and commenced: 

" My father was a man in humble life, dwelling in the 

little quiet village of M . His trade was that of a 

shoemaker. By hard work he was able to earn a liveli- 
hood for himself and family. He was a Wesleyan Meth- 
odist, having been brought to Christ under the labors of 
a distinguished Wesleyan Preacher. He emigrated with 



GRANDFATHER ERADD0CK. 45 

his family to this country. He was a thorough-going 
Methodist, not only in name, but also in spirit and prac- 
tice. He endeavored to bring up his children in the 
nurture and admonition of the Lord. He had the hap- 
piness of seeing me converted when I was only nine years 
of age. From that time I was very fond of reading my 
Bible, and other good books, as I could find opportunity. 
And sometimes, I used to get up with a chair before me, 
and imitate the preacher, little thinking then that I 
should ever be a preacher of the Gospel." 

"How boy-like !" said Elder Greatheart, "I used to 
do so myself when a boy." 

"Well," continued the Patriarch, " my father designed 
me to be his successor in the humble, and yet honorable, 
occupation of a shoemaker. Gocl, however, sees not as 
man sees. He had other employment for me. In due 
time I was licensed as an Exhorter, then as a Local 
Preacher, and at length was called into the Itinerant 
work by the Presiding Elder. 

" My first circuit was " Stony-Hiee." It was a hard 
one, about one hundred and fifty miles long, and a con- 
siderable part of it lying in a very rough section of 
country. It took us six weeks to get round to the several 
appointments." 

" That would try the mettle of some of these Doctors 
op Reform," remarked Grandmother Braddock, "if 
they had to do it now-a-days. ' Stony-Heee ' was very 
different from the nice patches which are now so unright- 
eously called ' Famine-Street !' " 

" Oh ! grandmother, you must not be so hard on the 
Doctors of Reform. They love the church. Their 
love is ( so strong, that nothing short of death can sever it' — 
and, beholding the imperfections of the church, which 
the fathers failed to see, they want to break it down, or 
have God break it down, so as to build it up again after 
a perfect model — that's all," said Mr. Stand-the-Storm. 
"It is out of pure love to the church, and therefore you 
must be charitable, grandmother." 



46 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

" Well, all I have to say is, that some of them would 
make queer work of it, if they had to travel such a circuit 
as Grandfather speaks of. Their abilities lie in the 
direction of "Uptown," or " Noble-Point !" 

" Come, come, none of your side issues," said Grand- 
father Braddock, " you are interrupting my experience. 

" We had a glorious time on Stony Hill Circuit. 

" I had a pleasant colleague — 'Mr. Love-all.' 

" I went to the Circuit, however, full of fear and trem- 
bling. I was only about twenty years of age. 

"But 'Mr. Love-all' received me very aifectionately. 
He encouraged me to enter upon my work with faith and 
holy resolution. 

"'The Lord will be with us,' said the good man. 
'You will find on the Circuit nursing fathers and nurs- 
ing mothers. They will take you by the hand, beloved, 
and all will be well.' 

" Never shall I forget my first round on that Circuit. 

"I felt my weakness, but the Lord helped me, and the 
people helped me. Bless the Lord for his goodness! 

" Yv r e had great revivals that year. 

" Mr. Love-ALL had a wonderful faculty for winning 
the hearts of men. He was a universal favorite, and his 
appeals were absolutely irresistible. 

"I received during the year but little money; but I felt 
amply repaid in beholding the wonderful work of God, 
and in being counted worthy by the Divine Master to be 
an humble instrument of promoting it. 

" I found many kind friends on Stony Hill Circuit. 

" They said: 'Lord bless our boy preacher /' 

" 'Father Pure Mind' was particularly kind. He 
was the oldest steward on the Circuit. 

" He lived in a little cottage on the mountain side, 
almost hidden from view by the trees. 

" Whenever he would see me winding my way up the 
path, he would come out on the stoop to meet me, and 
as his white locks waved in the breeze, say, ' Come in, 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 47 

come in, thou blessed of the Lord! Come 
and rest yourself in the old man's cabin.' 

" And the venerable father would clasp me to his heart. 

" His excellent wife, too, was so kind. She fixed up 
c the snug little chamber, ' as she called it, 'so that the 
young Itinerant might have a good night's rest, and go 
on his way rejoicing.' 

"Those were happy days; I love to think of them. 
Bless the Lord for his goodness! 

" I think I see that holy man now, with his eyes rever- 
ently turned towards Heaven, and his patriarchal hands 
laid upon my young head, and his lips breathing forth a 
fervent prayer for 'God's blessing on the lad!' 

" As I would leave his door, he would say, ' Go, my 
son, and as you go, preach Jesus! preach Jesus!' 

" I shall meet him one day in glory, and the day is not 
far distant." 

The Patriarch's voice trembled, and his cheeks were 
wet with tears, as he narrated these scenes of his first 
year's itinerant life. 

"You didn't measure the Itinerancy, then, Grandfather 
Braddock, by the number of dollars that the people put 
in your hand?" remarked Mr. Stand-the-storm. 

"It is for our Doctors of Reform to do that," said 
Grandmother Braddock. " The size of the parsonage — the 
size of the salary — the size of the church and congrega- 
tion, and especially the size of their pockets, are items 
which chiefly enter into the calculations of some of them." 

" Souls! Souls ! !" exclaimed Grandfather Braddock, 
"were the chief objects of our pursuit in those days. 
The kind words and generous hospitality of the people — 
the pentecostal scenes which we witnessed in our congre- 
gations — and the melodious songs and shouts of triumph 
which ascended to Heaven, as souls were born into the 
kingdom. — These amply repaid us for all our toil. I 
fear some of our young brethren in these clays don't 
feel so." 

The old man uttered this last sentence with a sigh. 



48 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

" Well, well, we have talked enough about this matter 
for this evening," said the Patriarch. 

They all declared that they could hear him talk all 
night, but they would not weary him. 

"You will tell us more some other time, grandpa, 
won't you?" said Jenny. "I do love to hear it; it 
sounds so much better than Dr. Smith's dreadful stories 
about 'Mr Father Braddoce:.' " 

"Yes, yes," responded Grandfather Braddock, " with 
all my heart, if you wish to hear it. Sing one verse 
before you go, my friends, and let it be that one I used 
to sing on S ton v- Hill circuit : 

" Thrice blessed, bliss-inspiring hope, 
It lifts my fainting spirit up, 
It brings to life the dead ; 
Our conflicts here will soon be past, 
And you and I ascend at last, 
Triumphant with our Head !" 

They all joined in the singing heartily. 

" Good-bye, good-bye !" said Elder Greatheart, " we 
shall not soon forget this pleasant evening. A good 
night's rest to you, grandfather. You will see us again 
soon." 

"Heaven bless you, my friends," said the old man; 
" Heaven bless you !" 

They bent their steps homeward, and as they passed 
down the lane from the cottage, the voice of Mr. Stand- 
the-Storm was heard in the distance, singing 

" I'm a soldier for Jesus, 
I've 'listed in the war, 
And I'll fekt on till I die." 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 49 



CHAPTER VI. 

A FEW MORE PAGES FROM GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK'S 
EXPERIENCE. HE PEEPS THROUGH HIS SPECTACLES 
AT DR. SMITH'S SCEPTICISM ABOUT PROVIDENCF. 

Another beautiful evening in July had come. The 
air was so pure and balmy, that Grandfather Braddock 
took his seat under the trees in front of his cottage. 

Jenny had brought out his arm chair, and he sat there 
enjoying the cool breeze. 

" How pleasantly the breeze fans my cheek, and how 
sweetly the fragrance of the harvest fields is wafted to 
me!" said the Patriarch. a This is a beautiful world — 
a thousand things has Providence arranged for our enjoy- 
ment. Oh ! that all the people would see the goodness 
of his hand!" 

"Grandpa," said Emory, "we had a fine time this 
afternoon in Mr. Jobson's harvest field. We watched 
the men as they cut down the ripe grain ; and while 
Jenny was gathering some berries for tea, I helped them 
bind up the sheaves. And I rubbed out some of the new 
wheat and tasted it, and it was so good!" 

"I hope you thought of your kind Heavenly Father, 
Emory, who gives us these good things," responded the 
Patriarch. 

"I don't know as I did think much about that," 
replied Emory. "You know I'm so mischievous and 
wicked, grandpa. But may be I'll be good some day. 
You know I want to be a Methodist Preacher. Doctor 
Smith hasn't scared me out of the idea, by all his dread- 
ful stories about 'My Father Braddock.' I don't be- 
4 



50 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

lieve that the Bishops do grind the preachers to powder, 
no how. Do they, grandpa? You've lived a good 
while, any how, since they ground you to powder." 

" Oh ! no, my boy, it's all nonsense. Doctor Smith 
ought to be ashamed of himself to write such things. 
But I am greatly rejoiced that his stories about 'My 
Father Braddock ' have not prejudiced your young 
mind against the Itinerancy. I hope you may live to 
be a faithful Methodist Preacher." 

"I had very good thoughts in the harvest field," said 
Jenny. "I sat down there among the sheaves and sung 
that beautiful hymn, commencing 

11 Praise ye the Lord, 'tis good to raise 
Your hearts and voices in his praise, &c." 

And this verse, particularly, sounded so well: 

u He makes the grass the hills adorn, 
He clothes the smiling fields with corn ; 
The beasts with food his hands supply, 
And the young ravens when they cry 1" 

"Well, sing it for me, my dear," said the good old 
man. " That hymn is one of my favorites." 

The children blended their voices together sweetly in 
the song, and the old people helped. 

Just as they had reached the closing stanza, Elder 
Greatheart and his companions were seen approaching. 

Grandfather Braddock rose to give them welcome. 

The new moon was now coming out of her chamber, 
and innumerable stars glittered in the firmament. 

Grandmother suggested, "that they had better come 
into the cottage, that the night air would not do for 
Grandfather." 

When they had seated themselves, Emory ran up to 
Elder Greatheart, who, by the way, is very fond of the 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 51 

little fellow, and he said, " Elder Greatheart, I want to 
ask you a question." 

" What is it, Emory ?" inquired the good Elder. 

" I have been reading Doctor Smith's book to-day, 
and I counted, I don't know how many places, where it 
is said, ' The Lord mazes the appointments,' or 
something like it ; and in every case it is printed in 
large capital letters — what does that mean ?" 

" Why, the writer wanted to make that sentiment 
very emphatic" responded the Elder. 

" Well, I should think he must have used up a great 
many of the printer's big letters. I guess he must have 
had to get an extra lot," said Emory. 

" I can tell you better than that, what it means," said 
Grandmother Braddock, looking earnestly at Elder 
Greatheart, as she spoke ; "it means that these Doctors 
of Reform don't believe much in the Lord directing the 
appointments. Why, don't Doctor Smith say in one 
place that Satan influences the appointments ? I have 
always thought that the Bishops and the Presiding El- 
ders were good men ; and if they are good men, I'm 
sure they will try to do right, and the Lord will prevent 
Satan from leading them astray. And, don't the Bible 
say, that a good mans steps are ordered of the Lord ? 
Now, are not the preachers good men f and if so, that 
promise is for them as much as for anybody else." 

" I think the Doctors of Reform, though possessed of 
minds ' philosophically inclined,' will find it difficult to 
repudiate that kind of Bible Philosophy," said Mr. 
Stand-the-storm. 

".Oh! I just remember now," continued Grandmo- 
ther Braddock ; "it was 6 Lotte ' that said, that in ma- 
king the appointments, The Lord only permits sometimes, 
hy not striking those who unjustly and wickedly interfere 
with them, dead in an instant." 

"That's so, Grandmother," said Mr. Stand-the-storm; 
"but L think that Satan had far more to do in helping 
6 Lotte ' say that, or in helping these Doctors of Reform 



52 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

to make her say it, than in helping the Bishops and 
Presiding Elders, to make the appointments !" 

'Poor Lotte !" continued Mr. Stand- the-storm, " she 
is a sorry specimen of a Methodist preacher's wife, but 
it is in perfect correspondence with Doctor Smith's other 
monstrous exaggerations. It is a libel upon Methodist 
preacher's wives." 

" The Lord have mercy on us!" exclaimed Grandmo- 
ther Braddock, " if our preachers had such wives." 

"Well, I think it's very wicked in Doctor Smith to 
use big capitals so often," said Emory, "if he means 
what you have said, grandma." 

" So it is," responded Elder Greatheart. 

" This subject of Providence is too difficult for you to 
understand, now, Emory," remarked the Patriarch. "It 
has puzzled some of the wisest and best of men." 

" Well, what do you think of the sneers, for it really 
seems to me that they are sneers, of that book, at the 
idea of the Lord directing the appointments ?" enquired 
Mr. Hopeful. 

Grandfather Braddock placed his spectacles in exact 
position, and put on a look of unutterable gravity, while 
he proceeded to reply to the question proposed. 

" There is nothing," said he, " in the book, which has 
given me more pain than those flings at Divine Provi- 
dence, in connection with the appointments. At first, I 
thought, surely I must be mistaken ; but I looked at it 
carefully, and I was forced to the conclusion that those 
words were put in the mouth of < Father Braddock,' 
and ' Lotte,' very significantly, for a purpose. I was 
confirmed in this opinion by the passage in which our 
good Bishops and Presiding Elders, are represented as 
being instigated by the Devil himself." 

"It is horrible," exclaimed Mr. Stand-the-storm. 

" Those passages made me shudder, as I read them," 
said Mr. Gentle-mind. 

" The Lord have mercy on them!" ejaculated Grand- 
mother Braddock. 



GRANDFATHER BRADD0CK. 53 

" I am much surprised that Elder Blackburn should have 
given his sanction to such sentiments," remarked Mr. 
Hopeful. 

" Such sentiments harmonise entirely with the views 
expressed in regard to the 'System' of Methodism," 
said the Patriarch. " If it be a Despotism, or ' Tre- 
mendous Tyranny,' which, as Dr. Smith writes, 'he 
had liked to have said, under a Republican Govern- 
ment, above every other system, ought to be broken 
down — a System likened unto two great millstones, 
which grind God's ministers to powder ; a System which 
God himself is invoked to destroy with his Almighty 
power, with a double Amen attached — is it wonderful 
that the Administrators of such a System should be 
represented as the agents of the Devil ?" 

" Those men who have put their names to that book, 
as its endorsers, will bitterly regret it, in my opinion," 
said Grandmother Braddock. "I pity Dr. Brown, the 
author of the Preface ! He is comparatively young 
and inexperienced, and I think must have been drawn 
into this thing against his better judgment. But then, 
Grandfather has prayed for them very earnestly, and 
may-be the good Lord will ' incline them to repent.' The 
Lord have mercy on them /" 

"Amen!" responded Mr. Stand-the-storm. 

" This subject of Providence has much engaged my 
study," continued the Patriarch. " I have been, for 
more than sixty years, a firm believer in this doctrine. 
My Bible contains this grand declaration : ' The hairs 
oe your head are all numbered !' And I believe it — 
firmly believe it. 

" I have had too many evidences of it in my own past 
history. 

" For more than fifty years have I been connected 
with the Itinerancy, and more than forty in the effective 
ranks, and I can say with the poet : 

" ' In all my ways Thy Land I see, 
Thy ruling providence I own.' 



54 GRANDFATHER BRADD0CK. 

" At our last interview, I gave you a brief account of 
my entrance into the Itinerancy, and the results of my 
first year on < Stony-Hill Circuit.' 

" At Conference I was received on trial. 

" I was appointed to i Thorny-town Circuit.' 

"Mr. ' Drive-the-battle ' was my colleague. 

" He was a man of power. 

" He had been called from the blacksmith's shop into 
the ministry. 

" He handled truth as he used to wield his sledge- 
hammer, and put in heavy strokes in sinners' hearts. 
He was a noble specimen of a preacher. 

The word of God was mighty and prevailed. 

We planted the standard of the Cross, that year, in a 
village called ' Hell-town,' under very remarkable cir- 
cumstances. The people of that place were the most 
abominable and wicked set I ever met with. Drunken- 
ness, profanity, licentiousness, and Sabbath-breaking, 
prevailed awfully ! 

" But ' in the name of our God, we set up our banners ' 
in ' Hell-town,' and about fifty of the worst of them 
were converted." 

"Glorious!" cried Mr. Stand-the-storm. "How I 
should like to have been with you and Mr. Drive-the- 
battle in that conflict !" 

"Glorious, indeed!" said Grandfather Braddock. 

" Well, for more than forty years did I wage war in 
this Itinerant service. Sometimes I had hard fields, and 
then again more comfortable ones. It has been a pleas- 
ant mingling of light and shade. The clouds lowering 
over me have never been so dark that I could not dis- 
cover a silver lining. Bless the Lord for Ids goodness ! 

"At the close of my eighth year I married. God in his 
infinite goodness gave me a help-meet. 

" She has been with me in all my toils and journey- 
ings — never murmuring — never wavering — no never ! 

" She is with me yet, to comfort me in my last days. 

"I remember a scene at this moment. 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 55 

" Conference had just adjourned. 

" The clock struck twelve, as the good Bishop finished 
reading the appointments. 

" My name was among the last. 

"He read— 'Dismal Swamp — Ezekiel Braddock.' 

" Some of the brethren gathered around and sympa- 
thized with me. 

" The excellent Bishop, also, thinking that perhaps I 
might feel somewhat afflicted, spoke a word of encour- 
agement, and told me that God would give me new 
triumphs at ' Dismal Swamp.' 

16 ' I know it, I know it,' I replied. ' I am ready to 
preach the Gospel at "Dismal Swamp." ' And I struck 
up and sung, for I could sing then, 

" ' Happy, if with my latest breath 
I may but gasp His name ; 
Preach Him to all, and cry in death, 

Behold ! behold the Lamb !' 

" The brethren joined in, and we had a time long to 
be remembered ; we shouted our way from the church. 

" The next night I reached my home, about eleven 
o'clock, at the foot of 'Rose-Hill.' 

u The light was burning in our quiet home. My 
companion was waiting for me. She had learned that 
Conference was to adjourn the night before, and she 
thought I must certainly be home before midnight. 

" She would not retire till I came, she never did so 
when she was expecting me home. Oh ! what a dear, 
good wife she has been ! 

" She received me with her wonted kindness. 

"The tea-kettle was full of hot water, the tea poured 
out of the canister, the short-cake smoking hot, and all 
in readiness for a good comfortable meal. 

'"Well, where has the good Bishop sent us this year?' 
she enquired. 

'"To "Dismal Swamp," ' I replied. 



56 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

" 'And where is that ?' she enquired. 

" 'About one hundred miles from here,' I answered. 

"'Well,' she said, 'if the circuit is like the name 
it bears, it will be gloomy enough — but in the name 
of the Lord, we'll go, my dear. We've had a pleas- 
ant time for two years at "Rose-Hill," and we can 
stand the rough a little for two years. With God's bles- 
sing, 'Dismal Swamp' may be made like 'Rose-Hill.' ' 

" Thank God for such preachers' wives !" exclaimed 
Elder Greatheart. " How different from 'Lotte !' Poor 
'Lotte !' " 

" The supper was prepared," continued the Patriarch, 
" and I ate heartily. 

" We then sung together, 

" l Content with beholding his face, 

My all to his pleasure resign ; 
No changes of season or place 

Can make any change in my mind. 
While blest with a sense of His love, 

A palace a toy wonld appear ; 
And prisons would palaces prove 

If Jesus would dwell with me there !' 

" We knelt together at the throne of grace, and God 
baptized us exceedingly. 

"We sung and shouted all night. 

" Our little Obadiah — ' Oba,' as his mother called him, 
awoke, and lifting his head from his trundle bed, wanted 
to know what the matter was ? 

" When he found that his father had returned home, he 
clasped me round the neck, and kissed me with much 
fondness. 

" 'Where are we going, pa ?' asked Oba. 

" 'Pa is going to " Dismal Swamp." ' 

" ' Oh ! pa, that name don't sound like " Rose Hill." 
Is " Dismal Swamp" a nice place, pa ?' 

" 'Not so nice as "Rose Hill," ' I replied, ' but Jesus 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 57 

will be with us there, my darling, and make it as happy 
a place for us as " Rose Hill." ' 

" I kissed my darling boy again and again, and laid 
him down in his trundle bed. He was soon asleep — 
and as he closed his eyes, he said softly, ' Jesus ivill be 
ivith us at Dismal Stvamp V 

"Next morning we gathered around our family altar. 

"We sung, and prayed, and shouted together. 

"No sound of complaining was there. 

" We moved to Dismal Swamp. 

" We spent two years there — and they were among 
the most glorious of my Itinerant life." 

" That they were !" exclaimed Grandmother Braddock. 

" Oh ! what times we had ! It makes me feel like 
shouting to think of it." 

" Bless the Lord for his goodness!" responded the 
Patriarch. 

This thrilling narrative deeply interested Grandfather 
Braddock's guests— and indeed drew tears from every 
eye. 

"And are we to believe," enquired Mr. Stand-the- 
storm, " that our Bishops are prompted by the Devil to 
make such appointments ?" 

"No! no !" responded the venerable Itinerant, with 
much earnestness. 

" 'Father Braddock' might have found as good results 
at 'Old Bay,' or, at 'Famine Street,' so called," 
said Grandmother Braddock. 

" God does have a hand in these appointments — you 
may depend upon it," said Grandfather Braddock. 
" I know it, all these Doctors of Reform to the con- 
trary, notwithstanding." 

His friends took their leave of the Patriarch — after 
having spent a very agreeable, and profitable evening at 
The Retreat. 

Mr. Gentle-mind was much strengthened in faith by 
this interview, and especially in the doctrine of Provi- 
dence — and he said, " I will go forward." 



58 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 



CHAPTER VII. 

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT APPOINTMENTS — THE GREAT 
MILLSTONE OF LAY INFLUENCE. 

Elder Greatheart and his friends once more visited 
The Retreat. 

The subject of appointments was again introduced. 

"It strikes me," said Elder Greatheart, "that this 
Dr. Smith deals some heavy blows at the Laity, and 
their influence in making the appointments. If I under- 
stand him, the chief ground of objection is, that certain 
Committees of an irresponsible character, visit the Bishop 
and his cabinet, and clamor for the appointment of 
favorite men to the churches which they assume to repre- 
sent. 'My Father Braddock' is represented as being 
'crushed out' from 'Up-town,' because 'The Special 
Committee' applied for another man, and determined to 
have him. And, this Special Committee was an 'Irre- 
sponsible Committee;' neither appointed by the Quar- 
terly Conference, the Stewards, nor the Trustees. 

"These Committees are thus described in staring capi- 
tals : 

" 'They are Self-constituted and Irresponsible.' " 

"Well, now," said Grandfather Braddock, "the truth 
is, our Laymen have always had an influence in regard 
to the appointments. And that influence was far more 
'irresponsible' in former times than it is now. 

"It was always expected that the wishes of the peo- 
ple should be consulted, and it is right that it should be 
so. And to secure this, is one of the prominent designs 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 59 

of the Presiding Eldership, to represent on one hand the 
wishes of the People, and on the other, the wishes of the 
Preachers. 

"In accordance with this design, the Presiding Elders 
have always been in the habit of consulting the brethren, 
on the circuits and stations embraced in their Districts, 
as to their preferences. And, I repeat, it is right that it 
should be so. Our Laymen often assume heavy pecuni- 
ary responsibilities, and much depends upon the appoint- 
ments made. An effective minister will enable them to 
meet those responsibilities promptly and honorably. 
While, upon the other hand, an inefficient minister may 
involve them in serious embarrassment. And there is 
another thing, in this age the Ministry is urging the 
Laity to the assumption of these heavy responsibilities, 
growing out of the improvement of church property, and 
the other great enterprises of the Church. Can we then 
suppose, under such circumstances, that the Laity will 
fold their hands, and be indifferent to the character of 
the appointments made for such churches ? I tell you, 
nay ; a Laity of such a cast would be unworthy of the 
Age, and recreant to the imperious demands of our glori- 
ous Methodism." 

"But, are these Committees 'Self-constituted or 
Irresponsible Committees?' " enquired Mr. Stand-the- 
storm. 

"Oh!" said Elder Greatheart, "that is all nonsense. 
It is either to be regarded as a rhetorical flourish, or, a 
display of unpardonable ignorance, and consequent mis- 
representation of facts. 

"If there are sele-constituted and irresponsible 
Committees, they are the exception, and not the rule. 

" I happen to know something about the way in which 
these Committees are constituted. They are appointed 
by the Officiary in some way, usually by the Quarterly 
Conference, and are, therefore, clothed with responsibility. 

" But is not lay influence in this form an invasion 



60 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

of the prerogatives of the Episcopacy, and contrary to 
the genius of our System?" enquired Mr. Hopeful, 

"Not at all," responded the Elder. " The Episco- 
pacy do not deem it any invasion of their prerogatives, 
nor can it legitimately be made to appear that it is con- 
trary to the genius of our System. I repeat, consulta- 
tion has ever marked our history. True, the Bishop is 
appointed to ' fix ' the appointments, but does any one 
seriously entertain the idea that our Constitution was 
framed upon the basis that he was to ' Fix ' them ! ab- 
solutely,' irrespective of the wishes of the Laity, or 
the Preachers ? 

" It may do for these Doctors of Reform to attempt 
to make out such a case, in order to establish their the- 
ory of a * Tremendous Tyranny.' 

" I deny that our Episcopacy has ever given such an 
interpretation to the Discipline in word or act. They 
have never assumed such arbitrary power, nor is it 
contemplated in the System ; otherwise, there would long 
since have been an up-rising of a feeling, such as is re- 
cognised in the appeal of this ' Doctor Smith ' to the 
Republican sentiment. 

" The intelligent masses of Methodism know full well 
in the light of our past history, and especially, in view 
of the annals of the administration of our Episcopacy, 
that this idea of Arbitrary power has no existence 
anywhere except in the heated brains of certain Reform- 
ers who have a purpose to serve by such announcements. 

" Is it not a remarkable fact, that so few rebellions have 
taken place under our System in the matter of appoint- 
ments, either among the Laity, or the Ministry ? 

" Are they both ignorant of the real action of the 
appointing power, or, are they both stupidly submis- 
sive ?" 

" He says this Power is too tremendous to re- 
sist," remarked Mr. Hopeful. 

" So he does," continued the Elder. " Then let him 
bear the consequences of his temerity, in placing both 



GRANDFATHER BRADD0CK. 61 

the Laity and Ministry in such an ignoble position, 
a position which the common sense of each, and the 
whole history of Methodism, will proclaim to be a libel 
upon BOTH." 

"Oh! the fact is," remarked Mr. Stand-the-storm, 
" the real difficulty with these Doctors of Reform is not 
in the mode in which the Committees are constituted — 
nor whether they are constituted at all — whether they 
are ' responsible ' or irresponsible, but in the action of 
the Committees." 

" That's the pinching point, I'll warrant," said Grand- 
mother Braddock. " If the Committees would only go 
in for the Doctors of Reform, as eagerly as they go in 
for the 'Herriotts' and ' Furors,' so called, it would 
be all well enough. I tell you, I can see as far through 
a mill-stone as any of you, if I am old, and have to wear 
spectacles — even these great mill-stones of Reform. 
I can read some of these Reformers like a book. They 
cannot blind me with their professions of love to the 
church, ' so strong that nothing sliort of death can sever 

it: " 

This latter sentence was uttered by Grandmother 
Bradclock with uncommon vehemence. 

" There is more truth than fiction in what is now 
said," remarked Elder Greatheart. 

" I remember one case at this point. 

" A certain brother, no matter who, was perpetually 
declaiming against Committees — ' irresponsible and 

SELF-CONSTITUTED COMMITTEES.' 

" Well, in process of time, he had fixed his mind on 
going to a very excellent appointment, ' Old Borough.' 
The Responsible Committee, however, had determined 
to apply for another man. 

" Certain irresponsible ones expressed a preference 
for him. In that case he was in favor of irresponsi- 
bility, and down on responsibility !" 

" Circumstances alter cases," remarked Mr. Stand- 
the-storm. 



62 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

" But how do these objections to Lay influence, in 
connection with appointments, harmonize with the advo- 
cacy of Lay Delegation, in the Annual and General 
Conferences?" inquired Mr. Hopeful. "If these men 
cannot stand Lay influence at 'the Cabinet door, how 
will they get along with it in open Conference ?" 

" Consistency is a jewel!" responded Elder Greatheart, 
"seldom found shining in the coronet of these Doctors 
of Reform. Lay Delegation, they think, or profess to 
think, will do very well in Church Legislation, but when 
it is brought to bear upon the question of Appoint- 
ments, it is a very wicked thing. 

"The truth is, the estimates which our intelligent 
Laymen make of ministerial character, don't suit 
certain men ; and hence this outcry against ' Self-con- 
stituted and Irresponsible Committees!' " 

" Grandfather Braddock, you have served some in the 
office of Presiding Elder," said Mr. Hopeful, "now, what 
is the result of your observation and experience ? Is it 
true that our Laymen, and particularly those who visit 
the Conference as Committees, from the prominent 
churches 

" ' Stab the reputation of Ministers at the Cabinet 
door?' 

"See here, what this great advocate of Lay Delega- 
tion writes: 

6 But many a secret stab at character was made near 
the door of the Council chamber.' 

" ' The interviews of the Committees are always private. 
The wounds made by them are secret wounds.' 

" i Committees, of which so much is said, and who do 
so much to control in making the appointments — who 
sometimes thrust aside the counsels of the Bishop's own 
selected counsellors — who cause transfers to be made, 
and turn away the earnest laborers of the Church, from 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. G3 

those places which demand their toils, and can afford them 
assistance and consolation when they both deserve and 
require them (as my Father Braddock did) — are bodies 
unknown to our Discipline; and, however organized or 
appointed, are as utterly irresponsible for their doings 
as the maniac, who in his frenzy strikes with a mortal 
blow the helpless infant.' 

" ' And when he becomes aged, is apt to be thrust aside, 
that Committees poiverj hd, but irresponsible, may be grati- 
fied.' 

"'It was only at the Council Chamber door, or in pri- 
vate interviews with the Bishop, or some one of the Pre- 
siding Elders, that the people did harm.' 

"There's advocacy of Lay Delegation for you." 
"I believe," said the Patriarch, "that these state- 
ments are entirely unfounded, and do our Laymen great 
injustice. If they were a set of the most unprincipled 
men alive, they could hardly be handled more roughly. 
It is well said by the poet, 

u ' He who steals my purse, steals trash ; 
But, he that niches from me my good name, 
Eobs me of that which not enriches him, 
And makes me poor indeed !' 

"Are the Laymen of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church worse than the highwayman who contents him- 
self with the demand of a paltry purse; while 

1 These Stab Character, ay, Ministerial Character, near 
the door of the Council Chamber ?' 

" These imputations upon the intelligent and upright 
Laymen of the Methodist Episcopal Church, are an out- 



64 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

rage, and should make their author hide his face in the 
dust ! 

"He, an advocate of Lay Delegation!" 

"Preposterous!" shouted Mr. Stand-the-storm. 

"Preachers far more frequently stab their own repu- 
tation, and the reputation of each other," said Grand- 
father Braddock. "They too often grind each other to 
powder between the two great millstones of Jealousy 
and Self-esteem, much oftener than they are 'ground to 
powder' by a 'Fixed Episcopacy' and an 'Unsettled peo- 
ple !' " 

" That's true as preaching," said Elder Greatheart. 
"Why, not long since, I had it in mind to secure the ap- 
pointment of a certain preacher to a particular charge on 
my District. And on making inquiries among the peo- 
ple, I found, to my utter astonishment, that the preacher 
had given out certain things, slyly, which greatly injured 
that brother, and, in fact, prevented his appointment to 
that charge. It had been insinuated that he relied on 
6 claptrap' and 'excitement, 1 and that although he went 
in largely for 'revivals,' that his converts were only ser- 
vant-girls and apprentice-boys, and that they had to drop 
them as fast or faster than they received them." 

" How very unkind /" remarked Mr. Gentle-mind. 

"The Lord have mercy on such men!" ejaculated 
Grandmother Braddock. 

"Too true, too true!" said Grandfather Braddock; 
" I have seen it, and mourned over it." 

"And then," continued Elder Greatheart, "some stab 
their own reputation by Indolence. 

" They lounge about, when they should be in their 
study : 

" Or, at the bedside of the sick : 

" Or, in pursuit of dying sinners. 

" Others, by a spirit of Complaining. They are 
accustomed to denounce every body and every thing that 
don't suit their peculiar notions. 

" And yet others, by Speculation. 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 05 

" They give themselves to pursuits which do not legit- 
imately belong to the Christian ministry. 

" They falsify their ordination voivs, which they volun- 
tarily assumed, promising before high Heaven and 
assembled witnesses, to devote their whole time and gifts 
to One work — that of saving souls ! 

" And then, when Conference comes, and the Com- 
mittees know full well that they are not the men to fill 
churches — to keep up the finances — to snatch sinners as 
brands from the burning — and to build up the church 
generally, in its great interests — they are anathema- 
tized. 

"Yea, they are unrighteously accused of 'stabbing 

MINISTERIAL REPUTATION AT THE CABINET DOOR !' 

" This learned Doctor of Reform tells us," continued 
the Elder, "that 'Laymen' are not to be trusted 'at the 
Council chamber door, or in private interviews with the 
Bishop and Presiding Elder' — that there Hhey do harm.' 
And yet, he would have us believe that he is a true ad- 
vocate of Lay Delegation. 

"I confess, I don't understand such logic." 

Elder Greatheart delivered these sentiments with 
much warmth. 

"I cannot see," said the Patriarch, "what -great evil 
is to result from a calm expression of the views of the 
brethren of a charge, through a committee appointed by 
the Official Board, in reference to their appointment. 

" And especially so, when we consider that the 
preachers have full opportunity to express their wishes 
to the Bishop and Presiding Elders. 

" I believe the Bishop and Presiding Elders converse 
far more freely with the preachers than formerly. So 
that it would seem that the Ministry, and the Laity 
are about on a par here. 

"It may be that the Committees sometimes are too 
strenuous in their demands for a particular man. 

" This ought to be avoided. They ought never to go 
so far as to say, Send that man or no one. 



66 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

" That is Revolutionary, and strikes at the foundations 
of the System. 

" But, I repeat, I cannot see how a calm expression 
of views on the part of preachers and people, can dG 
such great mischief, and especially, how it can demon- 
strate that Methodism is a ' Tremendous Tyranny,' 
which this Doctor Smith ' had liked to have said, under 
a Republican Government, ought to be broken 
down !' " 

" Oh ! the trouble is," remarked Mr. Stand-the-storm, 
ironically, "the Committees don't make accurate estimates 
of men (in the estimation of the Doctors of Reform,) 
they don't look in the right direction — they will prefer 
men who make a sensation, over men who do not make a 
sensation. 

" If they would only look in the right direction, they 
might exercise their power responsibly or irresponsibly, 
without molestation." 

" Come, Mr. Stand-the-storm, you are too severe," 
suggested Mr. Gentle-mind. 

"Well, now," said Grandfather Braddock, "you 
have probably pursued this train of reflections far 
enough." 

The Patriarch had looked very earnestly through his 
spectacles, while his guests had been discussing this in- 
teresting question. 

Grandmother Braddock said she had more than half a 
mind to get up a little tea party some day soon, and in- 
vite Dr. Smith to be present, so as to defend himself; 
she thought it was too much on one side. 

"Good, good!" exclaimed Mr. Stand-the-storm. "I 
should like that amazingly, and I propose that we ap- 
point our good friend, Elder Greatheart, as The Cham- 
pion of true Methodistic Reform, to beard this bold 
Pretender. I guess the blacksmith can hammer out 
the Smith Philosophy of Reform, to its proper 
dimensions, on the great anvil of truth and righteous- 
ness." 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. G7 

"I guess so, too," said the Patriarch. 

"Well," said Grandmother Braddock, "I'll let you 
know when it is to come off. 

" I have been in the habit, ever since Grandfather re- 
tired from the effective ranks, to invite some of our 
friends to spend a sociable evening with us, once a year. 
This gathering we have had on his birth-day. His sev- 
enty-third birth-day occurs now soon, and I shall keep 
up the good old custom. We shall expect you, our 
kind, and well-tried friends, to be present, of course, and 
I think it will make things lively to have our Reform 
friends here too. Grandfather can give them a little of 
his advice, and Elder Greatheart can use his sledge-ham- 
mer, if he chooses. That idea of his hammering out the 
Smith Philosophy of Reform on the anvil of truth and 
righteousness, I confess, strikes me very favorably. 

" They shall be invited, anyhow, and if they come, I 
think we shall have a spicy time." 

" That we shall," said Mr. Stand-the-storm. 

"How long is it to Grandfather Braddock's birth- 
day ?" inquired Mr. Gentle-mind. " I shall be anxious 
for the time to roll around." 

" Not long," replied the old lady. " But you will 
hear from me, all in good time. Never fear !" 

Our friends bade the Patriarch and his family an af- 
fectionate farewell, and were soon on the homeward 
track. 



68 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

A TEA-PARTY AT THE RETREAT — TWO OF THE DOC- 
TORS OF REFORM PRESENT — ELDER GREATHEART AND 
DOCTOR SMITH HAVE A NICE TALK. 

Grandmother Braddock carried out her design ex- 
pressed in the last chapter. 

She was in the habit, every year, when Grandfather 
Braddock's birth-day occurred, of getting up a tea 
farty. 

On these occasions, she invited a number of the 
preachers, and their wives, and some of their immediate 
neighbors. 

At this time, she somewhat extended her list of invi- 
tations. 

The constant visitors at the cottage were of course in- 
vited, including Elder Greatheart, Mr. Stand-the-storm, 
Mr. Hopeful, and Mr. Gentle-mind. 

Doctor Smith, Elder Blackburn, and ' Rev. J. Brown, 
A. M., D. d., of Bellevue,' were also invited. 

Elder Blackburn, however, excused himself. 

Whether pressing duties, or the fear of having the Pa- 
triarch look through his spectacles at him, prevented, 
does not exactly appear. The latter cause may have 
operated somewhat, inasmuch as he is not a very bold 
man, as his easy overthrow by the ' high Churchman ' 
shows. 

But Doctor Smith, and his friend, Doctor Brown, 
the author of the Preface, are made of more courageous 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 69 

mettle, and concluded to honor the company with their 
presence. 

Dr. Brown is a young, but very vigorous Reformer, 
and seems inclined to stick closely to his friend Smith, 
designing, no doubt, to share the honors of the inaugu- 
ration of the Smith Philosophy of Reform ! 

They reached the Retreat at a late hour in the after- 
noon, and Grandmother chided them for having come so 
late. 

The day set for the party was a beautiful one. 

The sun looked down gloriously from the heavens, and 
a refreshing breeze neutralised considerably the force of 
the solar rays. 

Grandmother Braddock and Jenny had been busy as 
bees, all the morning, making ready for the entertain- 
ment. At an early hour in the afternoon, " everything 
was in order," as the venerable matron said, for the re- 
ception of their guests. 

The Patriarch was comfortably seated in his arm-chair, 
looking as happy as a man well could, on this side of 
Canaan. 

In the course of the afternoon, he related some stir- 
ring incidents connected with his Itinerant life. 

The company was particularly interested in an account 
which he gave of a perilous journey which he once per- 
formed while traveling "Dismal Swamp Circuit." 

"I was lost," said the old man, "in a dense forest; 
no house near, no human being within reach. Darkness 
set in upon me, and I heard the howl of wild beasts all 
around me. When I could no longer see the path, I 
alighted from my faithful horse, and being very weary, 
I laid down at the foot of a tree, taking my saddle-bags 
for a pillow. I commended myself to the holy keeping 
of my Heavenly Father. 

"I slept soundly during the night. 

"The morning light broke upon me, and I arose re- 
freshed. 

"I looked around for my horse, and found that he 



70 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

had not strolled far away, as though watching like a 
vigilant sentinel the slumbers of his master. Lifting my 
eyes heavenward in adoring gratitude, I gave expression 
to the feelings of my heart, saying, Bless the Lord for 
Ms goodness ! 

"Kneeling reverently on the spot where I had rested 
so sweetly during the night, and so safely, while angels 
kept their vigils near, I prayed. Oh ! how devoutly ! 

"Rising from my knees, I remounted my horse, soon 
discovered the beaten path, and after a few miles' ride, 
reached the humble and yet hospitable home of one of 
the class leaders, to whom I related the adventure of the 
past night. 

"The good brother trembled while I narrated it. He 
said I had been in great peril ! 

"And now," continued the veteran Itinerant, " seventy 
and three years, this day, have I been a pilgrim and 
stranger in the earth, journeying to 'a city which hath 
foundations.' 

"I am nearing that city fast ! 

"The prospect before me was never so bright ! 

" More than fifty years have I been connected with 
the Methodist Itinerancy. 

"And, looking over the past, the storms, the persecu- 
tions, and the perils, through which I have come, with 
all this knowledge before me, I am ready to say with the 
sainted Bishop Hedding, ' If I had my life to live over, 
I would be a Methodist Preacher, if I had to die in the 
ditch ! 

" Thousands, yea thousands, have these hands wel- 
comed to the altars of Methodism, and many of them 
have gone shouting home to glory !" 

"Thank God!" exclaimed Mr. Stand-the-storm. 

"I welcome you, my friends," continued Grandfather 
Braddock, " to my little cottage, on this my seventy-third 
birth day !" 

The tears rolled down the aged man's cheeks, thick 
and fast, while thus dwelling upon his experience. 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 71 

All present were deeply affected. 

The voice of Grandmother Braddock was now heard, 
announcing that tea was ready, and the narrative of the 
Patriarch was not pursued farther. 

The table gave evidence of neatness, and was bounti- 
fully crowned. 

The short-cake had just come out of the oven, and 
smoked upon the plate. It was fine, as were also the 
tea biscuits. 

The large dishes of raspberries and currants, which 
Jenny had gathered in their own garden, looked very in- 
viting. 

And the pitcher of rich cream which neighbor " Re- 
member-tpie- Veteran" had sent in, rendered the fresh 
luscious berries, if possible, still more inviting. 

There was in fact enough to tempt the most fastidious 
appetite. 

Grandmother insisted, " that every one should help 
themselves." This she re-iterated again and again, and 
expressed the hope, " that every one would feel them- 
selves at home." 

All enjoyed the excellent, and yet frugal cottage 
fare. 

Tea was ended. 

"Now," said Grandfather Braddock, " we will attend 
to our evening devotions, and then we can resume our 
talk." 

" Jenny dear, get out the hymn books, what we have, 
and I want all to unite in singing that old familiar 
hymn, 

On Jordan's stormy banks I stand, &c." 

It was sung with great zest. 

The sweet tones of Jenny's voice were heard ming- 
ling with the rest. 

Mr. Stand-the-storm read the Scripture, and prayed 
with much holy unction. 



72 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

A pause ensued. 

Silence was broken by Doctor Smith, who, being 
eager to introduce his favorite topic, Reform, enquired 
" whether they had read his Book ?" 

Elder Greatheart replied, "that he believed most of 
them had." 

" Well, what do you think of the Reforms therein 
proposed?" enquired the Doctor. 

" To be candid with you," said Grandfather Braddock, 
" the Reforms you propose, taken together, involve vast 
consequences ; and I am free to say, that the argu- 
ment of your Book, if indeed it has an argument, utterly 
fails to show the necessity of the Reforms proposed. 

" In other words, if the propriety and necessity of the 
changes suggested, are to be demonstrated, it must be on 
other grounds entirely than those you have presented. 
Take it altogether, it is in my judgment the weakest and 
bitterest production I have ever seen." 

"Indeed!" responded Doctor Smith, as if conscious 
of having assumed an impregnable position. 

The Patriarch here took occasion to adjust his spec- 
tacles, and fastened his keen eyes upon the Doctor of 
Reform. 

"If I understand your position, Doctor," said Elder 
Greatheart, "it is this: The Methodist 'System' as it 
now exists, is an Ecclesiastical Despotism, a ' Tre- 
mendous Tyranny,' composed of two distinct parts, viz., 
' A Fixed Episcopacy,' and 'An unsettled people," 
the action of which is like that of ' two great mill- 
stones,' crushing out a certain class of God's ministers, 
of whom ' Eather Braddock ' is the representative. — 

" So that, old men, though talented and popular, are 
thrust aside by younger men, of far less real merit. 

" And, on these grounds, the church is called upon 
to elect the Episcopacy at each General Conference — to 
abolish Presiding Elders — to extend the time of min- 
isterial service, and to introduce Lay Delegation into the 
General and Annual Conferences." 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 73 

" That is my argument," responded tlie Doctor. 

"Then, sir," said Elder Greatheart, "you have sus- 
pended these great questions of Reform on about as flimsy 
a foundation as mortal man could have devised. 

" I deny the truth of your premises, and therefore of 
your conclusions. 

" I deny, emphatically, that there is any class of men 
in the Methodist ministry, answering to your description 
of ' My Father Braddock,' who are crushed out, or, 
indeed, that there is any class of men ' crushed out.' ' 

"Yes, but have we not facts of this sort constantly 
occurring?" said Doctor Smith. 

"I answer decidedly, No !" replied the Elder. "I 
challenge you to produce a single case, such as you de- 
scribe, in all the annals of Methodism. On the con- 
trary, there is no system which gives employment — 
congenial employment — to its ministers to such a good 
old age, and provides so well for their comfort when laid 
aside from the effective work, as Methodism. 

" That men when advanced in life must be less in 
demand than younger and more vigorous men, is an 
inevitable law. 

"No Reforms which can be introduced into our 
Methodist organization, can set aside that law. 

"It runs through all the ramifications of 
Society. But I repeat, Methodism throws a kindlier 
wing over her aged ministers, than any other system. 

" Under Systems embracing the feature of a settled 
pastorate, hundreds of aged ministers lie dmon nightly on 
a bed of tlwrns ! 

" Why ? Because they know the plottings of OfBcia- 
ries to get them out of the pastorate, to make room for 
younger and more vigorous men. And this knowledge 
embitters their life." 

"But," said Doctor Smith, "look at 'My Father 
Braddock's' afflictions, and the reasonable request which 
was denied him.' " 

"Who crushed him?" continued Elder Greatheart. 



i 4 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

"'The Bishop?" 'The Presiding Elders?' 'The 
Committees?" This is the inference that you would 
have us draw. 

" And yet you are guilty of the inconsistency of re- 
presenting the Bishop, and his cabinet, as doing all in 
their power to accommodate him. This is strange kind 
of logic!" 

"It may seem so to you," responded Doctor Smith, 
with some warmth. " They offered him "Famine Street !" 

" Yes," responded the Elder, " and that very 'Fam- 
ine Street,' thus stigmatised by you, Grandfather 
Braddock would have thought to be a paradise in his 
day." 

" That I would," responded the Patriarch. 

"That very 'Famine Street,' as you call it," con- 
tinued the Elder, " what is it ? 

"I answer, a charge which furnishes its Pastor a com- 
fortable parsonage, and pays him from §600 to §800 per 
year. 

" I deny therefore that the System crushed ' Father 
Braddock.' 

"He was crushed by rebellion against a System which 
had given him, for years, temporal advantages far super- 
ior to what he could have realised, out of the Itinerancy. 

" Rebellion against a System, which proffered him in 
the time of advanced age, and in the season of affliction, 
places where he might have found comfort. 

"Rebellion against a System, which, through its ac- 
credited Administrators, breathed into his ear words of 
kindness, and sought, by every possible method, his ac- 
commodation. 

" And is this the ' Tremendous Tyranny' of Method- 
ism — the crushing process of two geeat millstones — 
which you deem unworthy to exist under a Republican 
Goveenment — and for the destruction of which you 
print your prayers in great capitals, and append thereto 
a double amen ?" 

" Oh !" said Grandmother Braddock, "whenever you 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. ' 75 

mention that prayer, it gives me such a queer sensation 
about my heart, and sends the cold chills over me — I've 
done nothing but dream about it, ever since Jenny read 
it to us !" 

" Your logic, Elder Greatheart, if logic it may be 
called," said Doctor Smith, "may suit the old-fogyism of 
past times, but I go in for progress. 

"You may shut your eyes, if you choose, to the crying 
abuses, which call loudly for the judgments of Heaven, 
but I cannot, and will not. 

" I am determined to fight this Arbitrary power." 

"But, unfortunately for your Book," continued Elder 
Greatheart, "facts, according to your own showing, do 
not sustain you. 

"Your 'Father Bradclock' does not come within gun- 
shot of proving the existence of a 'Tremendous Ty- 
ranny.' 

"The Bishop and his Cabinet offered him 'Old Bay,' 
where you know he might have been comfortable. 

"And 'Famine Street,' too, as you are pleased to call 
it, which deserves not the name, where all the advantages 
required, in the circumstances of his affliction, might 
have been enjoyed, and where he might have had an 
opportunity of accomplishing glorious things for his Mas- 
ter. 

" He chose rather to become a supernumerary, because 
he could not go to ' Uptown.' 

"Was he crushed? I inquire again, by an ecclesias- 
tical Despotism — A ' Tremendous Tyranny ?' 

"I answer, No ! 

"If crushed at all, it was by rebellion against a Sys- 
tem which offered him reasonable accommodation in the 
time of extremity." 

"Well, you will not deny," said Doctor Smith, "that 
deserving men are thrust into the background, in the 
Methodist ministry, to make room for less deserving 
men?" 

"I grant," replied Elder Greatheart, "that there is 



76 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

an immutable law requiring old men to retire from the 
front of the battle, and leave younger and more vigorous 
ones to take their places. And this law operates in our 
Itinerancy as it does in other modes of life. Where 
ability is found, whether in the old or the young, that 
ability is appreciated and employed more thoroughly in 
our Itinerancy, than under any other System. 

"The papers of other denominations are at this time 
discussing the question as to what measures may he 
adopted among them to secure the full employment of 
Ministerial power which Methodism presents f 

"You have inquired whether there are not deserving 
men in the Itinerancy thrust into the background, to 
make room for less deserving men? 

"I answer your question by asking another ; 

"I inquire. How many has the Methodist Itinerancy 
brought out of the back ground into the front ground? 

" Tell me, how many has it taken from the shoemaker's 
bench? 

"From the anvil? 

"From the carpenter's shop? 

"From the plough? ay, and from some of the Profes- 
sions, too, and made them polished shafts ? 

" Some, when they entered upon the work, could not 
parse a sentence correctly. 

"But, in the Itinerancy, that great < Theological 
School,' they have been made men, and run a brilliant 
career ! 

" And, it has given them a social position, which they 
could never have obtained by the use of the awl, the 
jack-plane, the plough, or the lancet. 

" They have married into families of the highest social 
position, and come into possession of property thereby, 
which raises them above want in the time of sickness, or 
old age, independent of the provision made in the Con- 
ference. And some of these men, rojJced into eminence 
in the cradle of the Itinerancy, when offered positions which 
will yield them an income two or three times more in 



GRANDFATHER BRADD0CK. 77 

amount, than the awl, the jack-plane, or the lancet would 
ever have given them, cry out 'Famine Street!' they are 
'crushed;' they are c Ecclesiastical 3£artyrs ;' the victims 
of the 'Methodist hierarchy;' of a 'Tremendous Tyran- 
ny;' which you write" 

"In this country, in Republican America, above 
every other power, i had liked to have said, ought 
to be broken down !" 

" Doctor, I tell you, I am ashamed that a man of your 
claims to intelligence should have thus written." 

'• I am satisfied with what I have written," responded 
Doctor Smith, with much complacency. " The whole 
church is heaving with agitation, and we must look these 
questions in the face. I have stepped forward in the 
crisis ; and I doubt not that my efforts will be appre- 
ciated, and that right-minded men will see, as my friend 
Elder Blackburn expresses it in his Introduction — ' that 
1 have a love for the church, so strong, that nothing short 
of death can sever it /" 

The idea of the church heaving with agitation, was so 
ridiculous, that Mr. Stand-the-storm burst into a fit of 
loud laughter, and the whole company participated. 

"It is only a few agitators, here and there, who are 
attempting to make an excitement, with a view to bring 
themselves into notice," said Elder Greatheart. 

" The Laity are not making any movement. 

" There are those among us who see an ' impending 
CRISIS,' just before a General Conference, and particu- 
larly immediately after, when the offices have been 

DISTRIBUTED. 

"And there are those who see an 'impending crisis ' 
just before an Annual Conference, and especially imme- 
diately after, when the appointments have been 

MADE !" 

" I hope you don't mean to insinuate that /wish to bring 



78 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

myself into notice," said Doctor Smith, with some 
excitement. 

"lam not your judge, Doctor," responded the Elder. 
" But, why this extreme sensitiveness ? Such Reform- 
ers are the bad characters at which I strike, and I hope 
no one will seek their personification anywhere except 
in himself." 

Doctor Smith here said he must leave, and took his 
departure rather unceremoniously, accompanied by his 
friend, "Doctor Brown," the author of the "Preface," 
who had maintained a dignified silence ; having, as he 
thought, fully delivered his soul in the "Preface." 

The movement of the Doctors of Reform was con- 
tagious. 

The other guests retired shortly, and thus the Tea 
Party was brought to rather an abrupt termination. 

Before they retired, the Patriarch took occasion to 
express his profound satisfaction at being permitted to 
enjoy this interview with his friends. 

" It is not likely," said he, " that I shall see another 
birth-day. If we should not meet again on earth, my 
dear friends, let us endeavor to meet over Jordan. 

" ' My hope is full, ! glorious hope 
Of Immortality !' 

"God bless you all, my friends ; God bless you ! 
Take with you to your homes, the old man's blessing." 

The aged man's voice trembled while he thus spake, 
and tears flowed freely. 

They all shook him kindly by the hand, and expressed 
the hope that he might yet live to spend many such 

EVENINGS. 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 79 



CHAPTER IX. 

Reform and Reformers — Grandmother Braddock 
relates a remarkable dream — she has gloomy 
forebodings, as also some of her friends. 

A few evenings after the Tea Party, Mr. Stand-the- 
storm and Mr. Hopeful entered the Retreat, just at 
dusk. 

The Patriarch occupied his accustomed seat. 

Grandmother Braddock was busily engaged in her 
favorite evening employment, knitting. 

The sweet voice of Jenny was heard, singing the beau- 
tiful melody, 

" Oh ! heaven, sweet heaven, 

How I long to be there, &c." 

"Well, Grandfather," said Mr. Stand-the-storm, "you 
seem to be enjoying yourself as usual." 

" Yes," replied the Patriarch. " Bless the Lord for Ms 
goodness /" 

And he rose from his chair, grasping the hands of 
his friends, and greeting them with many kind words. 

"And how did you get along after the party, Grand- 
mother?" enquired Mr. Stand-the-storm. 

"Oh! right well, considering," said the venerable 
matron. 

" Everything went on well enough, until Doctor Smith 
introduced his ' Father Braddock, and that took up all 
the evening. I'm sick of this everlasting talk about 
Reform, Reform ! 



80 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

"I think if they'd only go to work, and preach salva- 
tion to the people, and labor for the conversion of sin- 
ners, as they used to do in olden times ; that would be 
the best kind of Reform. 

" I meant to have the evening of the Party spent in 
a good old fashioned Methodist way — some good singing 
and praying — and a lively time. 

" But, as it was, I could do nothing but sit in the cor- 
ner, and knit, and listen to the talk about ' My Father 
BraddocJc.' 

" But, I tell you, Elder Greatheart brought out his 
big sledge hammer, and you may depend on it, he made 
the sparks fly. That blacksmith is a wonderful fellow !" 

"Yes," said Mr. Stand-the-storm, "he put in some 
heavy strokes. 

" How pale the Doctor became, when he told about 
the Itinerancy bringing men from the bach ground into 
the front ground ! 

"And how mute his friend 'Brown,' the author of 
the Preface, sat ! Poor fellow ! he has lately been Doc- 
tored (on the yellow cover of the Book), and now he has 
undertaken to help Doctor Smith to doctor the church. 

" Men doctor themselves, if they cannot get others to 
doctor them, now-a-days — and forthwith they imagine 
that the church divinity, or the church government is 
sick, — and particularly that the Bishops, Presiding 
Elders, and Committees are sick — and they must needs 
show their skill in a prescription. 

" They may know more than the fathers, but I very 
much doubt it." 

"Well," said Grandfather Braddock, looking rather 
quizzical through his spectacles, "I think those Doctors 
will remember Grandmother's Tea Party, and the sledge- 
hammer of the blacksmith. 

"If 'Father Braddock' be the strongest example of 
Methodistic Tyranny, and 'Ecclesiastical Martyrdom,' 
which can be adduced, this Doctor Smith has certainly 



GRANDFATHER ERADDOCK. 81 

undertaken to build his superstructure of Reform on a 
very sandy foundation. 

"If Lay Delegation, the abolition of the Presiding 
Eldership, a limit to the Episcopal office, and the exten- 
sion of the term of Ministerial service, are Reforms 
which the church needs, that necessity must he shoivn in 
some other way. 

" The instances of worthy men being thrust into the 
back ground under our System, if indeed there be such 
cases, are counterbalanced a thousand fold by the exam- 
ples, which our history furnishes, of those who have 
been brought from the back ground to the front ground. 

"I am a living monument of that, myself! 

"I had nothing before me, when I was called into the 
work, but a life of toil, in a very humble sphere, barely 
earning a subsistence. 

"And so has it been with hundreds. 

"And some of these are loudest in their denunciations, 
because the church does not put them in splendid par- 
sonages, splendidly furnished, and seat them at tables 
luxuriously crowned. 

" I have a man now in my eye, who was a mechanic, 
earning his dollar a day by hard work. 

"God in his providence called him into the Methodist 
ministry. 

"The church bore with his weakness, and that, too, 
in a way in which it could not have been borne with in 
any other ministry. 

"He married into a most respectable family, and by 
this means came into possession of a little property, 
which gave him a start in the world. 

"He removed to the West, and made a fortunate in- 
vestment of his funds. 

"And now, while the church is giving him a compe- 
tent support in the ministry, he is the owner of two or 
three farms ! 

" This cradle of the Itinerancy, you may depend on it, 
rocks many into eminence, who would otherwise have lived 
6 



82 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

and died in obscurity, as Elder Greatheart truthfully re- 
marked the other evening." 

"I should like to be rocked in that cradle !" exclaimed 
Emory. " It must be pleasant to be rocked in such a 
cradle as that." 

" Now, Emory, you know you are not to meddle with 
these grave subjects," said his Grandmother. 

"Well, grandma," continued Emory, "I was only 
thinking how nice it must be, to be rocked into eminence 
in the cradle of the Itinerancy. 

"But I don't want A. M., M. D. put to my name ; it 
don't sound right, somehow, and particularly if it should 
mean what I thought it did. 

"I won't think about that though, for you told me, 
grandma, that it is queer!" 

This mischievous talk of Emory greatly amused Mr. 
Stand-the-storm and Mr. Hopeful ; and Mr. Stand-the- 
storm could not refrain from patting the little fellow on 
the head. 

"How glad I am," remarked Mr. Hopeful, "that 
Doctor Smith's queer stories about ' My Father Brad- 
dock' have not scared you off the track, Emory ! 

" I hope you may live to fulfil the desire of your 
honored father, who is now, I doubt not, before the 
heavenly throne. 

" How often did he pray for you, Emory, that God 
would make you a minister of Christ!" 

" I'm not afraid of the Bishop's grinding me to pow- 
der, Mr. Hopeful," said Emory. " If they send me to 
'Break-neck Hill,' I shall try and make it into a 
'Bellevue,' as Mr. Stand-the-storm said; 

" That will be much better than grumbling, like this 
Doctor Smith does, won't it, Mr. Hopeful?" 

" To be sure it will, my boy. If the place is a hard 
one, make it better ! that is the true philosophy of the 
Itinerancy, Emory." 

Grandmother Braddock was so delighted with this 
development of Emory's philosophy, that for once she 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 83 

failed to command his silence, by the oft-repeated 
penalty of being sent prematurely to bed. 

At this stage of the conversation, the old lady assumed 
an air of unutterable seriousness ! 

It was noticed on all sides, and for a moment stillness 
reigned in the social circle. 

" Friends," said Grandmother, "I had a token last 
night!" 

U A token. Grandmother !" exclaimed several voices. 

" Yes," said the venerable matron — " A token! 

" I am not superstitious ; no, I am not superstitious ! 
and yet I cannot help regarding it as a token! !" 

" I hope it is not such a token as Lotte received, fore- 
shadowing the coming of the King of Terrors !" said Mr. 
Hopeful. 

"No! not that," responded Grandmother Braddock, 
" and yet a token ! 

" I had a dream, last night, a remarkable dream ! — 
Jenny, my dear, close the cottage door, and let down 
the windows and the curtains, lest some one might 
chance to be outside, and hear what I say." 

Jenny instantly obeyed, anxious to hear the dream. 

"Mr. Stand-the-storm and Mr. Hopeful," continued 
the old lady, " you are our dear friends — promise me 
that you will not reveal what I am about to relate.' 

"We promise, sacredly;" both responded. 

All now gathered around, closely, that they might 
catch every word. 

The Patriarch looked earnestly through his spectacles 
at his venerable companion. 

A solemn silence reigned. 

"I dreamed last night," said Grandmother Braddock. 

As she spoke, she cast significant glances around the 
room, and at the windows, as if to be certain that there 
was no intruder. 

"I dreamed last night," she continued, "and in my 
dream I saw Doctor Smith." 



84 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

At this announcement, they drew a little closer to 
her, and gazed earnestly into her countenance. 

She was evidently much excited, for the big drops of 
perspiration stood thickly upon her brow, and she had to 
make use of the corner of her apron. 

Jenny looked extremely pale. 

"I saw the Doctor," resumed Grandmother, " on 
horseback. The horse that he rode was a powerful ani- 
mal, of unusual height, and of great spirit. 

" He was, indeed, a fractious animal, prancing and 
snorting, as he dashed along, in a most wonderful 
manner. 

"The Doctor, however, undaunted, held the rein. 

" Once, I saw him drive the spurs into his sides ; and 
then, as if goaded to madness, he plunged along the 
road at a terrible rate. 

" I followed him as far as my eye could reach, every 
moment expecting to see him thrown to the ground. 

" But he kept his position, despite the raging impetu- 
osity of the beast. 

" 'Bold rider,' said I, 'you have undertaken to manage 
a fiery steed.' 

" At length, I saw him rush into a thick forest, and 
my blood chilled within my veins. 

" ' Now,' said I, 'there is surely no hope for him.' I 
looked, and on — on he was dashing among the trees. 

" He was soon out of sight. 

" I was filled with unutterable suspense. 

" In my anguish, I cried, ' Is there no one to stop the 
furious charger, and save his infatuated rider from swift 
destruction ? 

" ' Who, who will go in pursuit and snatch him from 
his peril ?' 

" In vain I waited for him to emerge again from the 
forest. 

" Hours rolled on. 

"At length, I saw other horsemen galloping along the 
road. 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 85 

" As they came near our cottage, I recognised among 
them Elder Blackburn, and the Rev. J. Brown, A. M., 
n. d. 

" Becoming, as I supposed, alarmed at the long ab- 
sence of their friend, they had started in pursuit of 
him. 

" They stopped at the gate, and inquired if I had seen 
the Doctor ? 

" I responded, giving them a description of his course, 
expressing my fears that he would never emanate from 
that forest alive. 

"They spurred their horses immediately, and darted 
into the forest. 

"At length they returned, bringing their comrade 
with them. 

" He was borne along upon the shoulders of some of 
them, on a settee, while the others led the horses. 

" 'Mercy on us /' I exclaimed, 'he is surely dead. How 
dreadful !' 

" I ran out in breathless haste, and inquired, ' Is he 
dead ? is lie dead V 

" 'No I' they quickly responded, 'but he is terribly man- 
gled ; we fear he will not survive.' 

" 'Well, bring him into the cottage,' I said, 'and make 
all haste, and bring a physician.' 

" They brought him into the cottage, and we endea- 
vored to place him in the most comfortable position pos- 
sible, until the aid of a physician could be obtained. 

" He groaned terribly. 

"Fortunately, a physician was soon secured. 

" Our minds were greatly relieved when he arrived, 
and we ascertained that, though sadly handled, and 
much bruised, that there was hope of his recovery. 

"It was found, however, that one of his limbs was 
badly broken. 

" This was set with as much dispatch and care, as cir- 
cumstances would allow. 

" He remained at the cottage until the physician 



8,6 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

thought it would be safe to remove him to his own hab- 
itation. 

" I awoke, and it was A dream I" 

" And what became of the horse ?" inquired Emory, 
with a somewhat comical expression of countenance. 

"Now, Emory," said his Grandmother, "you are at 
your mischief, again. This is too serious a matter to 
joke about." 

" Why, grandma, is it wrong to be concerned about 
the horse, as well as the man ?" said Emory. " Dashing 
along at such a furious rate, I thought may-be something 
might have happened to him." 

" Well, like enough," responded his Grandmother. " I 
should not wonder if in his headlong plunges, he at last 
went over some awful precipice, and broke his neck. 
But what became of the horse, was not made manifest 
in my dream — and therefore I cannot say. It was bad 
enough to see the Doctor thus handled !" 

"Horrible, indeed!" exclaimed Mr. Stand-the- 
storm. 

"How glad I was!" said Grandmother Braddock, 
" when I awoke and found it was a dream ! 

" But it has left a gloomy impression on my mind, 
and I'm afraid that something will go wrong with that 
Doctor Smith yet. 

" I don't want any calamity to come upon him. 

" But there's never any good comes of these violent 
Reformers." 

"Well, it is only a dream," said Mr. Stand-the-storm. 
" And yet, it does look to me like this Doctor riding the 
horse of Reform, and being brought to a sad termination 
of his career. 

"Alas ! how many men, who bade fair to be valiant 
in the cause of Christ, and in the great work of extend- 
ing our common Methodism — becoming disaffected, have 
attempted to mount the fiery charger of Reform, and 
some of them have more than dislocated a limb. 

" They have been dashed to atoms ! 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 87 

"There was 'Luther Lee,' and 6 Orange Scott,' and 
'Leroy Sunderland,' and a host of others, who vainly 
imagined themselves able to ride that snorting steed ; — 
and see their end ! 

" And they all nattered themselves, in the outset, that 
they had a love for the church, ' so strong, that nothing 
short of death could sever it.' 

" Where are they ? 

" Echo answers, Where ? 

" I hope our Doctor Smith will not follow in their 
track !" 

"I do hope not," said Grandfather Braddock, with an 
expression of indescribable concern. 

"Well, well, it is only a dream," remarked Mr. 
Hopeful — "let us look on the bright side of the pic- 
ture." 

" I am so glad that it was only a dream" said Jenny. 
" I like Doctor Smith, after all, he has many good 
traits. 

" How sorrowful it would make me feel to hear of any- 
thing like that being realized !" 

"Dismiss it from your minds, beloveds" — said the 
Patriarch — "dismiss it — it is only a dream; — Thank 
God!" 

Our friends took their departure from the Retreat in 
a very meditative mood. 

And Grandfather Braddock looked unusually grave — 
despite his emphatic counsel, "Dismiss it /" 

Grandmother Braddock, also, was evidently much agi- 
tated. 

Mr. Hopeful, however, was still determined to look on 
the bright side of things ; and as they went down the 
lane, he endeavored to cheer the spirits of his companions 
by striking up his favorite song ; 

" I'm a soldier for Jesus, 
I've 'listed iu the war, 
Aud I'll fisrbt on till I die." 



88 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 



CHAPTER X. 

METHODIST BISHOPS — THEIR POWERS, RESPONSIBILITIES, 

AND ADMINISTRATION GRANDMOTHER BRADDOCK'S 

OPINION OF THE "HIGH CHURCHMAN" WHO SO WO- 
FULLY USED UP ELDER BLACKBURN. 

Elder Greatheart and Mr. Gentle-mind entered 
Itinerant's Retreat, just as the Patriarch was closing 
his evening prayer. 

The fervent amen was breathed, in which Grandmother 
Braddock devoutly joined. 

Grandfather Braddock was rejoiced to see his friends. 

Emory, especially, vfas glad to see his friend Elder 
Greatheart once more. 

" Elder Greatheart ! Elder Greatheart ! !" he shouted 
with great glee, " I'm going to be rocked into eminence 
in the cradle of the Itinerancy, as you said at the Tea 
Party. 

"I've been thinking about it ever since !" 

" Brave fellow !" responded the Elder, patting him on 
the head. 

" I hope you may, my boy. 

" Don't let that Dr. Smith frighten you, Emory, by 
his horrid stories about the Itinerancy. 

" He must have had his head in a cloud when he wrote 
such miserable stuff." 

"He can't frighten me, Elder Greatheart," said Emory. 
" I mean to be a faithful ambassador of Christ, as my 
dear father said when he was dying." 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 89 

" Amen !" responded the warm hearted Elder. 

" Well," said the Patriarch, " my friends, the old man 
is right glad to see you once again. 

"It is some time since you made me a visit. I began 
to think you had forgotten me. 

" I must put on my spectacles, so I can take a good 
look at you, and then we will have a little talk, such as 
we have had together many an evening. 

" Oh ! how it refreshes me to have my good brethren 
in the Itinerancy come to my Retreat, and tell me what 
is going on." 

"Thank you, thank you, Grandfather," replied Elder 
Greatheart. " It gives us unspeakable pleasure to visit 
you in your quiet and comfortable home, and to be 
favored with your counsel. 

" The voice of the fathers is a voice of wisdom, to 
which their sons in the Gospel do well to take heed." 

"Well, what shall be the subject of our evening's con- 
versation ?" inquired the old man. 

"I propose," said Elder Greatheart, "that we talk a 
little about Bishops, their powers, responsibilities, and 
administration." 

" I should like to hear that question discussed," re- 
marked Mr. Gentle-mind. 

" I want a little light on the subject. 

" That seems to be a prominent topic in ' My Father 
Braddock.' " 

" The attack made upon our Bishops in that Book," 
said Grandfather Braddock, " is one of the most out- 
rageous things that I ever saw. 

" In one place he heaps upon them the highest enco- 
miums ; and in another, he stabs them in the most mer- 
ciless manner." 

" That's a fact," responded Elder Greatheart. 

" What worse could he have said of them, than to re- 
present them as the tools of ' cringing sycophants,'' and 
as making appointments for the church of God in the 
ways stated? 



90 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

" Jenny j just hand me the book." 
He reads : 

" ' Some preachers succeed well in their appointments, 
because they are cringing sycophants, who are artful 
enough to impress the Episcopacy with the conviction 
that their conduct is suggested by the reverence they 
feel for the chief dignitaries of the church.' 
" ' Some, because they are Masons.' 
" ' Some, because they are Anti-Masons.' 
" ' Some, because they are Odd-Fellows.' 
" ' Some, because of their deadly opposition to all 
secret societies.' 

" ' Some, because they trust in the Lord for every- 
thing, and use all the influence they can command with 
Bishops, Presiding Elders, and the people — all of whom 
are the Lord's servants — to secure the object of their 
prayers — the very best appointments within their 
reach.' 

" ' Some, from the mere force of piety, talent, and 
industry. They could not receive an appointment, 
however difficult, without very soon making it desira- 
ble.' 

" ' Some don't succeed, because their schemes are 
too transparent, and defeat themselves :' and 

u \ Some, because they trust so implicitly in the Lord, 
that they cannot see it to be their duty to contend 
against the selfish and unprincipled.' 

" There is a representation of the administration of 
the Methodist Episcopacy, for a Methodist Preacher to 
write ; one, who has a love for the church, as Elder 
Blackburn testifies, ' so strong that nothing short of death 
can sever it ! 

" Talk of the Laity stabbing ministerial reputation 
in the dark, < at the cabinet door !' 

" What sort of stabbing, or butchery is this? 



GRANDFATHER ERADDOCK. 91 

a In which direction does the surgical knife of this 
Doctor of Reform plunge here ? 

"Is it in the direction of the head or the heart of our 
Episcopacy ? 

" If he believes what he has written in these sentences, 
one of two things is manifest : 

" Either, that the Episcopacy of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church has a weak head, or a wicked heart ! 

" Which way does this Doctor, I inquire again, 
plunge his surgical knife — to the brain, or the heart of 
Methodist Episcopacy ? 

" If their administration is thus stained with dishonor; 
ay, with dishonor, so crimson dyed as to be worthy only 
of the Romish Hierarchy ; whence, I would ask this Rev- 
erend Doctor, springs that dishonor ? 

" From an impotent head, or an impotent con- 
science ? 

" Is the judgment imbecile, or the moral sense ? 

"If he believes this, how dare he longer commit his 
Ministerial destiny to such polluted Episcopal hands ? 

" Who, that has ever looked upon the apostolic coun- 
tenance of ' Hedding, or ' Waugh, 1 now glorified in the 
presence of Eternal Majesty, and breathed the holy 
atmosphere which their very presence seemed to create, 
will not repel such foul imputations upon the character 
of our honored Episcopacy ? 

" Who, that considers the untarnished honor of Me- 
thodist Episcopacy from our earliest history, will not 
repel such imputations ? *# 

"A righteously indignant ministry, and an equally 
indignant people, will cry, Shame I Shame I 

" The hour will come, I verily believe, if reason be not 
utterly dethroned and conscience wholly seared in the case 
of this headlong Reformer ; — when, Cranmer-like, he will 
cry — ' Perish the hand — the guilty hand' — that penned 
those lines !" 

"That he will!" exclaimed Grandmother Braddock. 
"The Lord have mercy on MmV 



92 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

" What is the great power which our Discipline puts 
in the hand of the Episcopacy, which, if they should 
exercise it, would enable them to ' out-herod Herod V ' 
inquired Mr. Gentle-mind. 

«* Why, my son," said the Patriarch, "this is a re- 
hash of old and long-exploded slanders in reference to 
the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

" He is very careful not to point to chapter or section 
of the Discipline which gives them such power. 

" Observe : 

" They have no vote in the Annual or General 
Conference ; 

" They may be brought to trial as other ministers, 
and yet they have no tribunal to which they can carry 
an appeal; 

" Their administration is -closely scrutinized by the 
'Committee on Episcopacy,' at each General Confer- 
ence, usually composed of some of the ablest men in the 
connection ; and they pass through an ordeal there, 
which would make some of these Doctors of Re- 
form tremble. — 

" Where then is their terrible power which constitutes 
them a ' Tremendous Tyranny V 

"Is it in making the appointments ? 

" These 'they only fix,' according to Doctor Smith. 

"'An Unsettled People,' it would seem, have 
usurped that power. 

" Where then is their power ? 

" ' They appoint the Presiding Elders,' says the Doctor. 

" But mark — They seldom appoint men to the elder- 
ship, irrespective of the wishes of the preachers. 

"Petitions and Remonstrances, on this score, drawn 
by the preachers, visit the Bishop quite as often, in 
proportion to the number of appointments, as those of 
an ' Unsettled People.' 

" And they are respected too. 

"Am I not right, Elder Greatheart ?" 

"You are," responded the Elder. 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 93 

" But, Dr. Smith says the Bishops draw their support 
from the Book Concern, and that on this account, they 
are placed in a position of questionable independence !" 
suggested Mr. Gentle-mind. 

" That objection is too insignificant to notice," replied 
Elder Greatheart. 

" On this point, however, I remark : 

" 1st. They earn what they receive. 

"Witness their tedious, protracted, and perilous 
journeys ; 

" Witness their abundant and arduous labors ; 

" Witness their sacrifices of domestic ease and com- 
fort, and the fearful responsibilities of their solemn posi- 
tion in the Church of God. 

" And yet, for all this, not one of them receives a sal- 
ary equivalent to that of a first-class clerk. 

" Nor do they receive more than they would in 
stations which they would occupy, if out of the Episcopal 
office. 

" And then, if their benevolent contributions, made in 
their multiplied visits among the churches, could be esti- 
mated, what ivould the balance be ? 

" 2d. Its payment by the Book Concern renders it no 
more certain, tlian if paid directly by the people. 

"The Presiding Elders derive their support directly 
from the people — and that does not suit these Re- 
formers. 

" They are prepared, with one sweep of their magic 
wand, to abolish the whole Presiding Elder System. 

"But, like many of their Reform ancestors, they dis- 
cover a greater ability to tear doion Systems, than to 
build up. 

" This Doctor Smith fails utterly to give us an intelli- 
gible view of what he would substitute therefor. 

"I repeat, this reference to the salary of our Bishops, 
is puerile in the extreme, and goes to show to what 
straits men are driven, who assume untenable posi- 
tions. 



94 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

" All the power committed to our Episcopacy in that 
direction, will never enable them to ' out-herod He- 
rod.' " 

" The life-service of our Bishops, is a feature which 
Doctor Smith deems specially objectionable;" remarked 
Mr. Gentle-mind. 

" He would have them elected at each General Confer- 
ence, so as to convince the ' High Churchmen,' and others, 
that there is a difference between our Episcopacy and 
theirs ; and also to put a wholesome check upon the 
Episcopacy." 

" That," said Grandfather Braddock, "is one of the 
wildest projects which has ever been broached. 

"Observe : Our Episcopacy, thus far in our history, is 
untarnished, unimpeached, and unimpeachable ; accord- 
ing to the admissions of these Reformers themselves ; — 
(but wofully contradicted by them in some places). 

" The discipline, they say, invests them with tremen- 
dous power — a power so fearful, that, if exercised, would 
enable them to ' out-herod Herod.' 

" And yet, even with the life-feature attached, they 
have never, thus far, attempted to play the Tyrant." 

" That is one of the brightest features of American 
Methodism," remarked Elder Greatheart. 

"We may safely challenge the production of a paral- 
lel example in any other church. 

"And, are we with such an untarnished history, to 
come down to parley with every ' High Churchman,' who 
chooses to cavil at our System ? 

" We are doing a great work and cannot come down." 

"Poor Elder Blackburn!" exclaimed Grandmother 
Braddock. 

" I didn't think he was such a coward. If he'd turned 
that ' Churchman' over to me, I could soon have settled 
the matter with him, without having my appetite de- 
stroyed, or being under the necessity of losing my din- 
ner. 

" Our ordination of Bishops is only a decent ceremo- 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 95 

nial, by which they are set apart to an office — that of 
General Superintendent, and not to a third order in the 
Ministry. 

" Isn't that it, grandfather?" 

" To be sure it is," responded the Patriarch. And 
all this mystification about ordaining Bishops, and the 
assumption of the title of Bishop, is mere child's talk. 

" Our Methodistic view of ordination is very clearly 
presented by Dr. Stevens, in a late number of the ' Chris- 
tian Advocate.' 

" Jenny, just get it, dear, and read it. The piece I 
requested you to lay aside, I mean." 

Jenny reads : 

ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 

u e A correspondent of the Memphis Advocate com- 
plains that we ordain Bishops while we acknowledge that 
they are of the same order with presbyters, and diifer 
only in office. But why not ordain them notwithstand- 
ing this ? Methodism restores the rite of ordination, as 
it does the title and office of Bishop, to its apostolic sim- 
plicity, canceling the superstitious mysteries thrown 
about them by the papal corruption of the Church. The 
apostles found ordination in the Jewish synagogue, where 
they found the offices of presbyter and deacon, and most 
other matters of Church government. It was not a mys- 
tery or a sacrament, as popery teaches, and prelacy im- 
plies, but a simple form, a ceremonial decency, by which 
men were designated to solemn responsibilities. Nearly 
all Episcopal Churches have fallen from this original 
simplicity. Methodism restores it. Were we to give 
up ordination in this case, and retain it in others, it 
would amount to an indirect concession of the mysteri- 
ous, if not sacramental, importance of the rite. It seems, 
indeed, to be a providential fact in the history of Method- 
ism that the denomination stands before the world with 
Episcopacy, with ordination, etc., and yet practically re- 



96 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

futing all their modern abuses. Let not its testimony be 
impaired in these respects.' 

" There, that is plain enough," continued the Patri- 
arch, " I am sure. 

"And, when our Bishops attempt, in the exercise of 
their tremendous power, to ' out-herod Herod,' the church 
will apply a speedy and effectual remedy. The General 
Conference, to whom the Bishops are amenable, will at 
once lay a strong hand upon any who may be disposed 
to make such attempt. 

" Methodism is emphatically a child of Providence, 
and modifications of the System have arisen, and will 
continue to arise, naturally, as the finger of Providence 
may indicate. 

" The fact that our Episcopacy is not a life-time Epis- 
copacy, absolutely, is demonstrated perfectly in the resig- 
nation of 'Bishop Hamline,' which resignation was ac- 
cepted by the General Conference. 

" That demonstration would be made no stronger if all 
the Bishops were to tender their resignations at the next 
General Conference, as this bold Reformer, Dr. Smith, 
suggests." 

" And, would not a quadrennial election of Bishops be 
disastrous?" inquired Elder Greatheart. 

"I believe it would be highly so," continued Grand- 
father Braddock : 

" 1st. It would engender a system of wire-pulling, and 
electioneering, which would be mournful. 

" 2d. There would be less scrutiny of the character of 
those elected to the Episcopal office. 

" 3rd. It would furnish better opportunities for the 
scheming of unworthy aspirants. 

u 4th. It would afford the Episcopacy less facilities 
for an enlightened and judicious exercise of the functions 
of the Episcopate. They would not have time to become 
thoroughly acquainted with our extended, and rapidly 
extending field of operations. And hence, there would 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 97 

be a feebleness of action in the Episcopal administration, 
to which we have heretofore, happily, been strangers. 

" 5th. It would produce an unsettled state of things 
in the church which would greatly militate against its 
prosperity. 

" These are some of the many evils which would be 
entailed upon us." 

"Let well enough alone! that's my doctrine," said 
Grandmother Braddock. 

"Yes," said the Patriarch, "the checks upon the 
Episcopacy are noiv ample. 

"When, as I have said, an attempt is made to 'out- 
herod Herod,' the wisdom of the church will devise a 
way to hurl the Episcopal Herod from his despotic 
throne. 

" This whole talk about the tremendous power of the 
Bishops reminds me of a good story which I once heard : 

" You know it used to be said by our enemies, ' that 
the Bishops oivned all the churches.' Well, in a certain 
village, this slander against Methodism was being indus- 
triously circulated by some bitter opponents of our 
system. 

" Our church there stood in the midst of an apple- 
orchard. 

" The trees at that time were well laden with fruit. 

" One of those who had been busily engaged in circu- 
lating these slanders, came along one day by the church, 
and espying the sexton, he said : ' You are going to 
have considerable fruit here, I guess ; and, as you are 
the sexton, I suppose you will come in for a good share 
of it.' 

"'Yes,' replied the sexton, quite sarcastically, ; pro- 
vided the Bishops dont come along and take it away.' 

" The man slunk away, evidently confounded by this 
good-natured and yet pungent rebuke of the sexton, and 
was not heard talking again about the Bishops owning 
all the Methodist churches!" 

" That is good, I do say," responded Elder Great- 
7 



yb GRANDFATHER BRAD-DOCK. 

heart. " I shall bear that story in remembrance — it is 
too good to be lost. 

" That is a fair sample of the emptiness — positive 
emptiness — of these representations of the terrible 
power of Methodist Bishops, and it may well wind up 
our conversation on this subject. 

"I must go; good-night, grandfather." 

" Good-night, my kind friends," responded the Patri- 
arch. " Come again soon ; do not let it be so long 
before you visit the old man again. A pleasant journey 
home ! Good-night. 

As they left the cottage, Mr. Gentle-mind remarked 
to his friends, " that their evening's conversation on the 
subject of Bishops, their powers, responsibilities, and 
administration, had afforded him much satisfaction. 

" He was more satisfied now, than ever, that this talk 
about the arbitrary power of our Bishops is all for effect 
— that neither the Discipline, the genius of Methodism, 
nor the administration of the Episcopacy, furnishes any 
foundation for the assertions of Doctor Smith." 

"You are right in your conclusions, perfectly right," 
responded Mr. Stand-the-storm. "When these men who 
talk so loudly about a ' Tremendous Tyranny J will bring 
facts, instead of their wild speculations, we shall have 
something tangible. 

"Were this violent Reformer to regulate affairs, 
ignoring the wishes of the people on one hand, and those 
of the preachers on the other, then indeed should we 
have a ' Tremendous Tyranny.' 

" What does he say ? 

" ' It were better that the Bishop and his counsel 
were left untrammelled.' 

" ' Better !' we say — ' Infinitely better !' 

" Now, is he not a true opponent of arbitrary power — 
of Episcopal Tyranny ?" 

Our friends separated, well satisfied with Methodist 
Episcopacy, as it is ! 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 99 



CHAPTER XI. 

SENSATION PREACHERS — WHO THEY ARE, AND WHAT 
THEY DO — GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK GIVES HIS CANDID 
VIEWS. 

" Sensation preachers ! 

" All preachers are sensation preachers. 

"But they produce a sensation in widely different ways. 
They may be divided into two classes : 

"1st Class : Those who do succeed, 

"2nd Class : Those who do not succeed. 

" The first class preach with power — they attract public 
attention — they have ' crowds' waiting on their minis- 
try — they keep the Trustees in good heart — they make 
the Stewards smile — they have extensive ' revivals' — 
and they are sought after by the churches. 

"Such are sensation preachers of the First Class. 

"The second class of sensation preachers, do not preach 
with power — they do not attract public attention — they 
do not have ' crowds' waiting on their ministry — they 
do not keep the Trustees in heart — they do not make 
the Stewards smile — Trustees and Stewards both look 
despondent, because they are both minus the cash — and 
such preachers are not sought after by the churches, and 
they wonder why it is so. 

" Such are sensation preachers of the Second Class. 

" This latter class, I am happy to say, in the Methodist 
ministry, is comparatively a small one, the First Class 
immensely preponderating. 

" The, reason of this is manifest : 



lo'o grandfather braddock. 

" The Methodist Itinerancy is the best Theologi- 
cal School in the church of the nineteenth cen- 
tury. 

" If there be anything in a man, this "will assuredly bring 
it out. 

" If this will not develop ministerial power, in vain may 
we look for such development, under other auspices. 

" The Itinerancy has brought into the ranks of Christ's 
ambassadors, the highest style of ministerial manhood ; 
hence, the premium which Calvinistic churches are dis- 
posed to pay in this day, for a ministerial supply, derived 
from this source. 

" The Itinerancy brings those who are under its influence 
into mighty contact with man, in all the scenes and re- 
lations of human existence — giving him the fullest pos- 
sible opportunity to acquire a thorough knowledge of 
human nature — and to display his skill in adapting the 
Gospel expedients to their diversified need. 

" Hence, I repeat, if there be anything in a man, this 
will bring it out. 

"But, there are a few who are not brought out, and con- 
sequently we have sensation preachers of the Second 
Class. 

" Between these two classes of sensation preachers, a 
great gulf is fixed. 

" Sensation preachers of the Second Class often look 
across the gulf at sensation preachers of the First Class, 
and as they look they grumble ! 

" They turn away, with ineffable disgust, exclaiming, 
4 noise,' 'furor,' 'clap-trap,' 'pull the wires,' 'sensation 
sermons,' 'crowds, l revivals, 'raptures!' 

"Now, how do men become identified with these 
classes of sensation preachers ? 

" I answer : 

" Preachers are initiated into the First Class, 

" First. By study. That is, the right kind of study — 
the study of practical, every day sort of things, and 



GRANDFATHER, SHADDOCK. 101 

especially the study of human nature. Their course of 
reading and preparation for the pulpit, are based upon 
the grand idea of immediate and powerful results — such 
as the ' glorious Gospel ' contemplates — even the salva- 
tion of souls. 

" Secondly. By work. They work energetically, per- 
severingly, and all the time. In the sick room, in the 
domestic circle, in the work-shop, in the Sabbath-school 

EVERYWHERE ! 

" Thirdly. They preach with the Holy Grhost sent down 
from heaven. With sufficient propriety to instruct the 
learned, and with sufficient simplicity to come within the 
range of a child's comprehension. They rouse — they melt 
— they move to action — by their preaching. 

" Again : Preachers are initiated into the Second Class , 

" First. By the lack of study. Instead of studying, 
they lounge about stores or other public places, discuss- 
ing politics and other common-place subjects ; such, for 
example, as the difference between an entity and a non- 
entity. 

" Secondly. They work not. They do not see that 
preachers who do work, succeed better, in the long run, 
than those who do not work. 

" They do not see any use in chasing about, in lanes 
and alleys, ' to hunt up the lost sheep of the house of 
Israel.' 

" They have so many members, that it is utterly im- 
possible to visit them all, and if they go and see the sick 
when they are called upon to do so, that is all, in the 
visiting line, which a preacher ought to be expected to 
do — particularly in a large city. 

" It was well enough for the fathers, in the early days 
of Methodism, to visit from house to house, but this is 
an enlightened Age, and it is not now required. 

" Thirdly. They do not preach with the Holy Grhost sent 
down from heaven. 

" When Sabbath comes, having spent the week in a 



102 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

sort of dissipation, they find themselves unprepared for 
the pulpit. 

" But they always have ' a shot in the locker.' 

" They keep on hand a drawer full (hardly a barrel 
full) of skeletons, somewhat antiquated, 'tis true, but then 
just as good for the people now as when first brought out 
of the workshop of their brain, for the Gf-ospel is un- 
changeable ! 

" The edges of the skeleton are somewhat yellow, it 
smells rather musty, and the paper is literally worn to a 
skeleton, but then they can give it life. 

" Alas ! for the congregation ; they find it otherwise. 
Under such preaching, they sleep — yea, snore. 

" They are not roused ; they are not melted ; they are 
not moved to action. 

" As the diminutive congregation leaves the sanctu- 
ary, they rub their eyes, and say one to another, 

" 'Didnt you think the parson ivas very prosy, to- 
day r 

" This is the way to be initiated into the Second 
Class — a much easier ceremony of initiation than into 
the First Class. 

" When sensation preachers of the Second Class get 
to Conference, and find that sensation preachers of the 
First Class are much more highly appreciated than 
themselves, by Bishops and Presiding Elders ; and, that 
Special Committees go in for them, 

" 'THE IRRESPONSIBLE AND SELE-CONSTITUTED COM- 
MITTEES ' 

they cry out against such a Despotism ! 

" They style it, with much emphasis, 'A Tremendous 
Tyranny.' 

" It must not be suffered to live under a ' Republican 
Government.' 

" Some such, as Dr. Smith accurately portrays : 



GRANDFATHER BRA DDOCK. 103 

" ' Go out to speak against arbitrary power — it might 
be, to write against it, with pens clipped in venom and 
gall.' " 

The above homily on Sensation Preachers, was de- 
livered by Grandfather Braddock, as he sat in his arm 
chair, on a certain evening. 

At times, he found it necessary to adjust his specta- 
cles, " that he might be able to look right at the sub- 
ject," as he expressed it. 

Elder Greatheart, Mr. Stand-the-storm, Mr. Hopeful, 
and Mr. Gentle-mind, who were present, listened with 
profound interest ; and, once in a while, found it difficult 
to repress laughter, in view of the apt manner in which 
the Patriarch treated the subject. 

Grandmother Braddock knit away with great zeal, 
during its delivery. 

Emory, once or twice, laughed outright, and had to 
be checked by his Grandmother, with the repetition of 
the dreaded penalty. 

This homily of the veteran was elicited by a query 
propounded by Jenny. 

She asked her Grandfather, " if he did not think it was 
too bad for Doctor Smith to abuse Mr. Herriott so ? 

" As for ' Mr. Furor, she knew that was a nick-name. 

"His real name was 'Mr. Gospel-force,' and that 
was a true index to his character. 

" She had heard him preach, on the previous Sab- 
bath, with such perspicuity, point, and pathos, that the 
whole congregation was melted. 

" She was afraid it was jealousy on the part of those 
who thus caricatured him, because he was l TRANS- 
FERRED.' " 

Grandmother sustained all that was said by Jenny, 
and declared " it was a shame." 

But she said, " Such men could afford to be thus evil 
spoken of, so long as they lived in the affections of the 
people, and had such immense congregations. 



104 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

" And, as for being transferred, that was no sin. 

" The Discipline authorised the Bishops to transfer 
preachers from one Conference to another; and the peo- 
ple who know how to appreciate good men, the First 
Class of Sensation Preachers, as Grandfather calls them, 
will have them, in spite of all the grumbling ' Smiths,' 
and 'Browns,' in creation. 

"And they might just as well stop their grumbling. 

"The people understood these flings, and they would 
only recoil upon the heads of the guilty authors." 

The venerable matron made this speech as though she 
meant it. 

Knitting was entirely suspended during its delivery. 

Mr. Stand-the-storm was delighted with its sentiments, 
and shouted, " Good ! good ! ! Those are my senti- 
ments, exactly." 

"Well, now," said Elder Greatheart, " I have listened 
to this dissertation, and I have a great problem which I 
want to have solved." 

" What is it ?" inquired the Patriarch. 

"You are a philosopher, my honored father," said 
the Elder ; " if you can solve this problem, you will ac- 
complish much, yea, incalculable good for our beloved 
Methodism, before you go hence. 

"It is this: 

" How can all preachers be reduced to precisely the 
same level, under our System; so that, sensation preach- 
ers of the First Class shall stand side by side, with sen- 
sation preachers of the Second Class ; and, further, that 
Bishops (and Presiding Elders, if they are not abolished) 
may be made to understand that they are equally meri- 
torious ; and the Committees of Laymen, whether ' re- 
sponsible,' or 'irresponsible,' shall be compelled to en- 
tertain as high a regard for those of the Second Class as 
for those of the First Class. 

" That is my problem, solve it satisfactorily, and Me- 
thodism will be all right. 

"And, Doctor Smith may probably be induced to 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 105 

•withdraw his terrible prayer for the destruction of the 
System, printed in large capitals, with the double amen 
attached I" 

"The thing is impossible," responded the veteran. 

"No form of government, whether civil or ecclesiasti- 
cal, can place all men on a level." 

"Grandfather, with all due deference to your age and 
experience," said Mr. Stand-the-storm, "allow me to say 
that you are mistaken. 

"Doctor Smith has solved that problem to his own en- 
tire satisfaction ; and, possibly, to that of the whole 
church. 

"The abolition of Presiding Elders, the introduction 
of Lay Delegation into the Annual and General Confer- 
ences, the extension of the time of ministerial service, 
and a quadrennial election of Bishops, will accom- 
plish this effectually, according to The Smith Philosophy 
of Reform I 

"A three, or five years' acquaintance with sensation 
preachers of the Second Class, will lead a responsible 
Laity to appreciate them as highly as sensation preach- 
ers of the First Class. 

"And, an Episcopacy elected every four years will 
have greater discrimination than a Life-time Episcopacy; 
and will administer under the conviction that sensation 
preachers of the Second Class are entitled to as good 
appointments as those of the First Class ; and will not 
listen to the clamors of an irresponsible Laity, at their 
'ear-gate,' to the contrary." 

"Nonsense!" exclaimed Grandfather Braddock. 

"That may sound like philosophy to the 'Smiths,' and 
the 'Browns.' But to me, and I guess to the church 
generally, it will sound like what it is, Nonsense !" 

"Well, I want to be a sensation preacher of the First 
ClassV exclaimed Emory, "any how." 

"That's right, my boy," responded Elder Greatheart. 

"Emory, remember the penalty" said Grandmother 
Braddock. 



106 GRANDFATHER RRADDOCK. 

"I don't want to be wicked, or troublesome," replied 
Emory; "all I say, is, I want to make a sensation like 
those of the First Class, when I get to be a Methodist 
preacher. I shall go in for 'crowds,' 'revivals,' and 'rap- 
tures,' if Doctor Smith does think it is so bad. But, I 
won't say anything more to-night, grandma, if you don't 
want me to." 

"What a catalogue of grave charges Dr. Smith brings 
against Mr. Herriott !" said Elder Greatheart. 

"Let me see : 

"He is neat in his personal appearance ; 

"Preached with effect at 'Silver Run Camp Meeting,' 
and the people of the good borough of Enterprise peti- 
tioned for him; 

"Is in the habit of preaching ' sensation sermons ;' 

"Sometimes 'swoons in the pulpit;' 

"Advertises in the papers; 

"Draws 'crowds;' 

" Has revivals ; 

"Is a contributing member of several fire companies; 

"Is transferred to 'St. Bartholomew's,' at $1500 a 
year; 

"And, is lured away to the 'Spruce Street Calvinistic 
church,' at $3000 a year; where 

"Some hard-mouthed people say that 

"'His popularity bore the noble vessel on to 

SOME HIGH STRAND, AND LEFT IT THERE.' 

"Now, is not that a catalogue? 

"Others there are, of a similar character, but for the 
sake of brevity they are omitted." 

"It is, indeed, a list of grave accusations," responded 
the Patriarch. 

"Well, now, for my part," said Mr. Stand-the-storm, 
"I question very much, whether any of those who 
sneer at 'Mr. Herriott,' would object to having the peo- 
ple regard their preaching as effective, at 'Silver Run 



GRANDFATHER 13RADD0CK. 107 

Camp Meeting,' or any where else, and especially if it 
secured an appointment to ^ Enterprise.' 

"As to belonging to 'fire companies,' and other asso- 
ciations, I do not know that there is anything very cri- 
minal in that, when the evident design is, to influence 
men for good, in order Ho be well and duly prepared, 
worthy and well qualified, to save men. 

"No one, I presume, supposes that he belongs to fire 
companies in order to have the pleasure of running with 
them to fires. 

"As to swooning, I guess the people would enjoy it 
amazingly, to see some of those who sneer at 'Har- 
riotts,' and 'Furors,' (so called) put on steam enough in 
the pulpit, to get half -to ay towards a swoon! 

"As to being transferred to 'St. Bartholomews;' I 
rather calculate that it would be a dangerous experiment, 
for the ' Special Committee,' whether ' responsible ' or ' irre- 
sponsible,' to make some men who have conscientious 
scruples against 'crowds,' 'revivals,' and 'raptures,' an 
offer of a transfer at $1500 a year ! 

"Grapes are Sour," 

once remarked a certain member of the animal crea- 
tion." 

"There is one part of that 'Herriott' affair, however, 
that don't chime in;" remarked Mr. Hopeful, and that is 
the final tragedy, the immolation of poor 'Herriott' on 
the Calvinistic Altar ! 

"That is not the destiny of the 'Herriotts,' but rather 
of the 'Smiths,' or the 'Blackburns ;' provided they have 
an offer. 

"Men of a mind, 'philosophically inclined, and disposed 
continually to look upon everything as an effect of causes 
either open or latent;' 

" Men, ' who look upon Methodist ministers in the 
regular work, as in no enviable condition ;' 

" Men, who see their brethren ' crushed between a 



108 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

" ' FIXED EPISCOPACY, AND AN UNSETTLED PEOPLE,' 

" Yea, ' ground to powder by the revolutions of our 
vast machinery ;' 

"Men, who see despotism everywhere — who think 
Bishops (though holy men) are the tools of ' cringing 
sycophants, and who style Methodism, 

" ' A TREMENDOUS TYRANNY,' 

and write : 

"'And it, in this country, in Republican 
America — above every other power, I had liked 
to have said, ought to be broken down!' 

" and, who are ready to appeal to Heaven in prayers for 
the destruction of the System, printed in large capitals, 
with a double amen, and three notes of exclamation, as 
follows : — 

" ' The SYSTEM was the only responsibility that was 
tangible : and may God break down such a System ! 
Amen ! and Amen ! ! ! ' 

" Such men are far more likely to admit ' Calvin- 
istic,' or ' High Church' deputations to their ' ear-gate ;' 
particularly, when a kind voice whispers, '$3000 a 

YEAR !' 

" Much more susceptible are such men, than the 
1 Herriotts,' or 'Furors,' (so nick-named,) who go in for 
' crowds,' 'revivals,' and ' raptures.' 

" Dr. Smith made a slight mistake, no doubt, inad- 
vertently. He should have written in that connection, 
'Blackburn,' or 'Smith,' — not 'Herriott.' 

" It is to be hoped that he will have it corrected in the 
next edition." 

" You are right, Mr. Hopeful;" remarked Mr. Stand- 
the-storm. 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 109 

The evening was now far advanced. 

All concluded that Sensation Preachers had been well 
enough handled, for one evening. 

Our friends departed, bidding the Patriarch an affec- 
tionate farewell. 

As they were leaving the door, Grandmother Brad- 
dock said, " that she had one request to make of them ; 
and that was, that they would never again mention in 
her hearing, that awful prayer for the destruction of Me- 
thodism, with the double amen attached — it made her 
dream so horrible /" 

They assured her " they would not refer to it again, 
for her sake." 

As they wended their way homeward, Mr. Stand-the- 
storm remarked to his comrades, "that Grandmother 
Braddock is a noble specimen of a Methodist preacher's 
wife." 

" That she is !" responded Mr. Hopeful. " She con- 
trasts strongly with ' Poor Lotte!' " 

" Rightly named, indeed," replied Mr. Stand-the- 
storm. " We must respect Grandmother Braddock 's 
parting request, made this evening. That terrible 
prayer of Doctor Smith for the destruction of the ' Sys- 
tem,' seems to have given her great affliction. 

" How do you suppose the wives of the thousands of 
Methodist Itinerants will regard 'Lotte?'" inquired 
Mr. Gentle-mind. 

" Well, I guess they will not be disposed to look upon 
him as a good portrait-painter of Methodist preachers' 
wives," replied Mr. Stand-the-storm. " My wife is not 
such a being, I can assure you. 

"My wife is awfully indignant !" said Mr. Hopeful. 

" I hope I shall not get such a wife" remarked Mr. 
Gentle-mind. 

Our friends separated, expressing mutual satisfaction 
with the Evening with Grandfather Braddock. 



110 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 



CHAPTER XII. 

CONFERENCE SCENES— GREAT SPEECH OF DOCTOR SMITH, 
THE DELIVERY OF WHICH WAS NOT PREVENTED "BY 
THE EXTENDED DEBATE ON SLAVERY." 

Such was the interest awakened by the last evening's 
conversation, at the Retreat, that Mr. Stand- the-storm, 
Elder Greatheart, Mr. Hopeful, and Mr. Gentle-mind 
resolved, on their way home, to spend the next evening 
with the Patriarch. 

They arrived at an early hour. 

It was an hour of beautiful serenity. 

The sun was just retiring to his chamber, and all na- 
ture was covered with the mellow glory of his parting 
rays. 

As their feet touched the threshold of the good man's 
cottage, they heard the voice of Jenny, in one of the 
songs of Zion. 

She was singing, 

"There'll be no more sorrow there." 

a new melody, lately introduced. 

Grandfather Braddock declared " that it was one of 
the finest things he had ever heard ; and, Oh ! if he 
could only sing, as in olden times, how glad he would be ! 
However," said he, " I shall soon be in my heavenly 
home, — ' a house not made with hands,' — and then shall 
I sing ' the song of Moses and the Lamb,' in concert with 
angels, and redeemed millions from every clime." 



GE^STPFATHER BRADDOCX. Ill 

His contemplations were interrupted by the entrance 
of his friends, 

The Patriarch greeted them with smiles, and a cordial 
shake of the hand. 

" Welcome!" said he, "thrice welcome are ye, my 
friends, to the old man's cottage. Your words cheer me 
in my little home. I cannot go out to battle now, but I 
can sit in my cottage door, and it revives my spirit to 
know that the church, our beloved Methodism, has va- 
liant sons yet, who will preserve her honor untarnished, 
and still fight her battles. A wonderful revolution in 
public opinion, in regard to Methodism, has been wrought 
in my day. We used to be considered ' the filth and 
offscouring of the earth' — despised and persecuted on the 
one hand, by formalism — and on the other, by ungodli- 
ness. 

" Now, how changed ! Other churches are copying our 
example in many respects. Our earnest ministrations — 
our fervent prayers — our lively songs — are being adopted. 
These are favorable omens. They gladden the old man's 
eyes. I fear, however, that our wonderful prosperity 
as a church, is not without its dangers. While others are 
increasing in zeal, there is danger of our losing our 
glorious vitality ! 

" God of our fathers, forbid it !" reverently exclaimed 
the venerable man, lifting his eyes heavenward. 

" Our prosperity does indeed bring with it dangers;" 
said Elder Greatheart, " but I trust there are enough 
legal sons among us, to stand by our illustrious stand- 
ard ; and to transmit our doctrines, and usages, to the 
latest generation." 

" Yes," said Mr. Hopeful, "despite the opprobrious 
epithets heaped upon the System, by would-be-Reformers, 
and their efforts to overturn it — I believe a bright future 
is opening upon us, and the triumphs of Methodism will 
be more glorious than in the past." 

"Friends," said Grandfather Bradctock, "I had a 
dream last night." 



112 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

" A dream!" all exclaimed. 

"I hope it is not like my dream," said Grandmother 
Braddock, "for I have not got over it yet. It haunts 
me day and night. I was in town to-day, doing some 
errands, and I saw Doctor Smith in the street, and you 
cannot tell how glad I was to see that he was still alive/' 

"No, my dear, my dream is different from yours;" 
replied the Patriarch. 

" How glad I am !" said Jenny. " I don't want to hear 
any more such horrible dreams." 

"Nor do I want to dream anymore such horrible 
dreams," remarked Grandmother. " That one has made 
a powerful impression upon my mind, which I cannot 
shake off, all I can do. I never knew any good to come 
of those violent Reformers." 

"Well, Grandfather, let us have your dream;" said 
Mr. Stand-the storm. 

" Draw near then, and you shall hear it. 

" I was in Conference !" 

" In Conference !" exclaimed Grandmother Braddock. 
" I guess you'll never get to Conference again, my 
dear." 

"No, that's true," continued the veteran. "Would 
God, that I might once more meet with my brethren, 
before I die ! But, the Lord's will be done ! 

"But, in my dream I was in Conference. 

" These limbs of mine, I thought, had been myste- 
riously strengthened, and once more I looked upon the 
countenances of my fellow Itinerants. 

" My heart was affected at the sight, and tears ran 
down my cheeks. 

" At one time, I rose upon my feet, and surveyed the 
whole body — yea, looked earnestly through my spec- 
tacles at every man. 

" 'What a band of noble men !' I exclaimed. 

" How different they looked from what our preachers 
used to do, in the early days of my Itinerant life — 

" Every brother seemed to be well dressed ; and for 



RAKDJATHER BRADDOCK. 113 

the most part, I thought they were as rudely, and healthy 
a looking set of men, as my eyes ever rested on. 

" ' Bless the Lord for Ms goodness!' I said. ' These 
men have much to be thankful for.' 

" It was the closing session of the Conference. 

" The usual routine of business was well nigh ended. 

" A few items of miscellaneous business, only remained 
to be transacted. 

" The Bishop sat in his chair. 

" He looked care-tvom, and thoughtful. He was evi- 
dently burdened with his official responsibilities. 

" An immense audience was assembled. 

"Every aisle was crowded with people, and silence 
reigned in the vast assembly. 

" Two hundred hearts were filled with strange emo- 
tions ! They were soon to have the destiny of them- 
selves, and families, fixed for another year. 

"No wonder that they were anxious. 

" No wonder that they should be full of emotion, when 
such issues were pending. 

"At length, Elder Dale arose, and stated that 'My 
Father Braddoclc desired the Conference to grant him 
a Supernumerary relation. 

" A solemn pause ensued ! 

" There was a deep, and yet a suppressed feeling, 
among preachers and people. 

" The Bishop was moved to tears — and indeed all were 
painfully affected. 

" A manly, and noble form arose ! 

"His clear voice was heard ringing through the house, 
saying, in strong, and yet tremulous tones, ' Mr. Presi- 
dent:' 1 

"It was the form, and the voice of Doctor Smith! 
''Mr. President^ he repeated ; 'I rise with trembling ap- 
prehension, to address the Conference at this solemn 
hour. 

" ; That clock indicates a rapid approach to mid- 
night ! 



114 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

" ' But stem necessity is upon me. The sight of a 
brother's tears ; nay, a venerable father's tears, and 
the heavings of his agonized bosom, prompt me to take 
the floor. 

" c I know, indeed, that you are in deep suspense, my 
brethren ; you tremble with expectation, you wait anx- 
iously for the unrolling of your destiny at the hands of 
the Bishop ! 

" 'But hear me, brethren, for my cause ; and hear me 
patiently, I implore you. 

"'A great wrong is about to be done, unless the Con- 
ference can be induced to pause. 

" ' Look upon that venerable man, l My Father 
Braddock.' 

" ' I love him ! I must plead his cause. I love, and 
therefore must protect, the right. ' I love Borne,' Bru- 
tus might have said, £ and I love Caesar.' Had he not 
fought by Caesar's side ? Yet Shakespeare puts these 
words in the mouth of Brutus : 

" 'Not that I love Coesar less, but love Home more !' 

" i Should I, in striving to save, injure ; in vindicating 
my father, strike an oppressor ; in loving my church — 
the church of my fathers, the best church, in my humble 
regard, in this or any other land — stab the accumulated 
and still accumulating power of my greatest friends, they 
may truly say, as Caesar did : — 

" < Et tn, Brute !' 

" ' For I love them all /' 

" ' For long years has that venerable man been fighting 
the battles of our common Methodism. 

" ' He has been wedded to the Itinerancy as with bands 
of iron. He has braved the summer's heat, and the 
winter's cold, to preach Jesus to dying men. 

" ' He has shrunk not from even "Break-neck Hill" nor 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 115 

from Scrambletown — being willing to obey the behests 
of the Appointing Power, in these regards. He is now 
old and gray-headed. He has a sick wife, ' requiring 
that she should be within reach of some good physician.' 
He has never asked a favor before, but now he asks 
accommodation. 

"'The "Special Committees" the "irresponsible Com- 
mittees," discard the old man. Elder Dale, as I learn, 
would have put him at " Hope Avenue" but a heartless 
"Committee" such a " Committee" as is constantly admit- 
ted to the Bishop's " ear-gate ," has said: 

" ' He is too old for us ; his head is too gray ; and we 
are afraid his voice will be too heavy for our church ; 
and that he will not be sufficiently attractive ; and, be- 
sides these, we cannot bear the thought of having a 
preacher come from Serambletoivn to Hope Avenue 
Ckurcli. You must take him up.' 

" i We don't want that old man, with his crazy wife.' 

" ' The Bishop and his Council say there is no place 
for him. And thus, between the crushing millstones of 

" ' A Fixed Episcopacy, and an unsettled people,' 

this valiant servant of Christ is about to be ground to 
powder ! 

"'Brethren, I say here, unhesitatingly, fearless of 
consequences, that we are here under a "Methodist 
hierarchy," an Ecclesiastical Despotism, a " Tremendous 
Tyranny," which 

" ' In this country, in Republican America, above 
every other power, i had liked to have said, ought 
to be broken down.' " 

" Elder Dale here rose and inquired 6 whether the 
brother was to be allowed to thus assail the System, and 
its Administrators V 



116 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

" ' Let him be heard,' the Bishop calmly replied ; ' it 
may do him good to deliver himself!' 

" ' 1 declare to you,' continued the Doctor, 6 that this 
" Tremendous Tyranny," assuming, as it does, a posi- 
tion of deadly antagonism to American Republicanism, 
this System is about to break my Father Braddock's 

HEART — 

" ' TO SEND HIM LIVING TO A DISHONORED GRAVE !' 

" 'No one is responsible for these things, save the 
Bishop— and who can blame him ? All the other actors 
are Invisible. The System is the only responsibility that 
is tangible : and may Grod break down such a System ! 

6i 'Amen, and amen ! I V 

" Here, numerous voices cried, Shame! and a general 
murmur of disapprobation ran through the audience. 

" 'But,' the Doctor said, 'he had the floor and would be 
heard.' 

" He continued : 

"'The iron is about to enter that venerable man's soul, 
the bolt is over his head which is soon to crush him, his 
gray hairs will be brought down in sorrow to the grave, 
if that bolt falls upon him. 

"'A stricken wife calls upon us to hold back that 
bolt! 

"'Weeping children bid us hold back the bolt! 

" 'The love of mercy bids us to the rescue. 

Ui JBy the love that you bear to the Crucified, brethren, I 
beseech you stay that bolt, and snatch our beloved "Fa- 
ther Braddock" from "Ecclesiastical Martyrdom !" 

'" How shall it be done ? Is there no way of escape 
for " Father Braddock?" Is there no way by which his 
wounds may be healed, and his stricken family oversha- 
dowed with a wing of merciful kindness ? 

'"There is, there is, thank God! there is!' exclaimed 
the Doctor, with rising vehemence. 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 117 

" All eyes were turned upon him, intently. 

" A deathly stillness prevailed, as he paused, and the 
clock struck twelve! 

" 'There is a way, I repeat. 

" ' Light beams upon me from heaven, at midnight ! 
And it falls, too, in all the softness of mercy itself, 
on Father Braddock — my beloved ' Father Braddock's 
pathway.' " 

" The eloquent pleader, at this point, showed signs of 
physical exhaustion, but gathering himself up, he cried 
out once more: 

" 'There is a way, thank God! There is a way! 

" 'I have learned that the Bishop and his Council have 
assigned me to a comfortable station. I will now teach 
my young brethren, whose locks, like mine, are untinged 
with gray, how to yield their claims, in favor of those 
whose brows are whitened with the frosts of many win- 
ters ! 

" 'I resign my comfortable station in favor of 

'"My Father Braddock!' 

" 'I can get along any where. 

"'Bishop, send me, if you choose, to "Scramble- 
town," to "Break-neck Hill," or "Death-Hollow!" 
" 'But spare, oh spare, I implore you, 

'"My Father Braddock ! !' 

" The Doctor sank down upon his seat, utterly pro- 
strated. 

" The Bishop was amazed at such magnanimity. 

" His brethren looked on with admiration. 

"'Noble man!' rang through the galleries — it was 
upon every one's lips. 

" The bolt was turned aside. ' Father Braddock' was 
not crushed. 



118 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

" I awoke/' said the Patriarch, " and lo ! it was a 
dream !". 

"Alas ! that it was a dream /" said Mr. Hopeful. 

"What a speech!" exclaimed Mr. Stand-the-storm. 
" Melting all hearts — the Bishop, the Presiding Elders, 
the preachers, the spectators — all hearts. 

" And then, turning aside the awful bolt from ' Father 
Braddock's ' defenceless head. 

" That was a speech which might have been delivered 
without interruption, 

" ' by the extended debate on slavery.' 

" That was true brotherly sympathy ; a love in deed, 
and not in word only, emanating from a magnanimous 
soul, and not from a printer s press! 

" Alas ! that it was a dream /" 

" Ah ! that's not the way these great Doctors of' Re- 
form sympathise with the gray-headed fathers," said 
Grandmother Braddock. " They are no more ready to 
give up their snug appointments, than other young men 
whom they abuse for crowding out the fathers — not they 
indeed ! 

" Well, that dream is not as shocking as mine, any- 
how ; and I am glad of it. I only regret that there was 
not more truth than fiction about it." 

"Alas! that it was a dream /" sighed Grandfather 
Braddock. 

" We must study on that dream," said Elder Great- 
heart. 

He and his companions gave the Patriarch the usual 
parting salutation, and returned home MUSING. 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 119 



CHAPTER XIII. 

FIFTEEN CHAPTERS IN ONE; OR, THE SMITH PHILOSO- 
PHY OF REFORM IN A NUTSHELL. 

" Here it is, here it is, Grandpa !" shouted Jenny, as 
she bounded in at the cottage door, one morning. 

" What is it, Jenny, my dear ?" inquired Grandfather 
Braddock. 

" Why, after I had finished my shopping, to-day, I 
called in at the book-store, and saw the second volume 
of ' Stevens 1 History of Methodism, lying on the counter, 
and I bought it for you, and here it is. 

"And, here, too, is ' The Pioneer Bishop,' by Doctor 
Strickland, which you know, Grandpa, you have been 
wanting to see for some time. I've heard you say often, 
that you so much admired the character of Bishop As- 
bury. And here is yet another book that I am sure you 
will be interested in, because you so firmly believe in 
Providence. It is entitled, ' The Divine- Government, il- 
lustrated in Remarkable Providences,' by c Rev. S. Big- 
gins,' and 'Rev. W. H. Brisbane.' " 

" You are a dear, good creature," said the Patriarch; 
" always trying to do something for my comfort. I 
shall have a fine treat, now. We have had nothing here 
lately, but Reform, Reform ; and I confess it is very un- 
palatable to me, unless it should partake more of the 
character of true Reform. I fear some of these Reform- 
ers, like many of their predecessors, will first try their 



120 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

violent hand in the church ; and then, failing to find their 
wisdom appreciated, out of it. 

"Well, Jenny, put away your bonnet, and you shall 
read to me Stevens' History of Methodism. 

"He is a good specimen of the way in which the 'great 
millstones' grind men topoivder! Or, perhaps he may 
be one of the exceptions that Dr. Smith speaks about ; 
who, coming out of the mill, and escaping the crushing 
power, shine the brighter for the process. Grinding to 
powder is the rule, shining the exception. 

"The few exceptions which the past history of Method- 
ism has revealed, who have come out of the mill of Des- 
potism, uncrushed, have shone with marvelous brilliancy ; 
so much so, that these few exceptions have carried the 
Methodist church through scenes of unparalleled triumph ; 
and to a position of such glory, that other churches, yea, 
the nations, gaze and wonder! 

"Bless the Lord for his goodness! I am so thankful 
that the great Head of the church has so over-ruled the 
despotic, and crushing action of the 'Millstones,' that 
Methodism has had a few shining ones. 

" Perhaps, enough may escape the crushing power 
hereafter, to keep the church afloat after the ' Smiths,' 
and 'Browns' have been intombed. If such should be 
the case, it will be a great mercy!" 

"Well, Grandpa, I am ready to read 'Stevens,' now," 
said Jenny. " Grandma says she can spare me to-day, 
and I shall be able to read a good deal for you." 

"That's clever," replied the veteran. "You are a 
kind, good creature, Jenny. I am sure it will be quite 
refreshing after that Father Braddock stuff. I say, 

stuff r 

The day glided away delightfully. 

Jenny read "Stevens ;" Grandfather Braddock occa- 
sionally making his comments. 

Grandmother Braddock dispensed with her household 
matters as far as possible, sat down to her knitting, and 
listened. 



GRANDFATHER BllADDOCK. 121 

Emory, too, when he came in from school, was much 
interested. He said, "he had read about ' The Factory 
Boy,'' in his Sabbath-school book, and he wanted to hear 
what he had to say about Methodism. He thought he 
was one of those who had been rocked into eminence in 
the cradle of the Itinerancy !" 

Evening came. 

Grandmother Braddock was "putting away the tea 
things," so as to have a chapter or two more of "Ste- 
vens," before bed time. 

These anticipations were cut short by the entrance of 
Elder Greatheart, Mr. Stand-the-storm, Mr. Hopeful, 
and Mr. Gentle-mind. 

They received their usual patriarchal greeting. 

"We have a paper to show you to-night, Grandfather," 
said Mr. Stand-the-storm. 

"What kind of a paper?" inquired the old man. 

"The notes of another aspirant to General Conference 
oratory?" 

"No, not that," responded Mr. Stand-the-storm. 

" It is a paper prepared by our friend, Elder Great- 
heart, who has no such aspirations. Well for him that 
he has not, for the Doctors of Reform are going to ex- 
clude all Presiding Elders from the General Conference, 
and then play sweep-stakes with the whole Presiding 
Elder system. They are only 'go-betweens' anyhow, ac- 
cording to Dr. Smith, and can be dispensed with. So, 
Elder Greatheart's chance of delivering himself, in Gene- 
ral Conference, is slim ; unless it should be found that the 
prescriptions of an M. D. of somewhat limited practice, 
are not entirely infallible. 

" But the paper : 

" It is styled, 

" * The Smith philosophy oe Reform in a nut-shell ; 
or, the prescription of an m. d. for the cure of 
Ecclesiastical Despotism !' 

" Elder Greatheart has, with much care, grouped to- 



122 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

gether the arguments of Doctor Smith for certain Re- 
forms ; so that the whole subject is in a Nut-shell, and 
may be convenient, as a matter of reference, for the 
members of the approaching General Conference." 

"Let us have it, by all means;" said the Pa- 
triarch. 

" Here it is ;" continued Mr. Stand-the-storm. " It is 
interspersed with explanatory remarks by the Elder, by 
way of variety." 

THE PAPER. 

First Reform. — Lay Delegation. This is a Reform 
demanded by an all-pervading agitation in the church. 
Hundreds, yea, thousands of Quarterly Conferences and 
Society meetings have passed resolutions in favor of it. 
The Laity clamor for it, throughout the length and 
breadth of the connexion — being profoundly impressed 
with its feasibility, and especially in view of the happy 
experiment of our brethren, "The Protestant Metho- 
dists." 

The all-pervading agitation of the church, above re- 
ferred to, the reader will suppose to be vividly presented 
to the imagination of " Doctor Smith " and " Doctor 
Brown," and to how many more, does not appear. 

But, the arguments of the Book : 

Argument 1st. We must have Lay Delegation so that 
the people "shall not petition for , or remonstrate against 
preachers, and be patiently heard, and, as far as can be, 
gratified." 

The introduction of Laymen into the Annual and 
General Conferences, will effectually cure this great evil. 
How ? the Doctor does not show. 

Argument 2nd. To prevent the people '■''from offering 
inducements in the form of salaries and presents to popu- 
lar men, and from succeeding in procuring their services." 

They ought to regard all preachers alike. Men who 
draw "crowds" — have "revivals" — and give the people 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 123 

"raptures," ought not to be sought after, or treated any 
better than those who do no such thing. How this evil 
will be cured by Lay Delegation does not appear — but 
it must be so, for it is the prescription of an accredited 
Doctor. The action of medicine is often very myste- 
rious, and cannot be developed to the unpracticed eye. 

Argument 3d. To prevent the People "from begging 
for transfers, and obtaining them." 

The Discipline recognizes Transfers, it is true ; but 
then the necessities of " St. Bartholomew's," or of " Up- 
town," should not be consulted, unless they ask for men 
who are not given to "crowds," "revivals," and "rap- 
tures." In that case it might be allowed. 

Argument 4dh, and lastly. 

To prevent the crushing power of the Millstones, in 
the cases of the 'Father Braddocks,' saving them from 
the painful necessity of saying, " I will not go to Old 
Bay" or to "Famine Street." It will compel " Uptown," 
"Hope Avenue," or "Noble Point," — and perhaps, 
"St. Bartholomew's," to be as ready to receive the 
"Braddocks," as the " Herriotts." 

The members of the next General Conference are par- 
ticularly requested to take out their Disciplines, and 
make the following changes : 

" To the answer of Question 1st, of Sectionl, of Chap- 
ter III, (that on the General Conferences,) add together 
with an equal number of Laymen, to be chosen by vote in 
each Annual Conference from among its lay members." 
Ditto, the Annual Conference a similar change. 

The above arguments, in favor of this great Reform, 
will doubtless be deemed conclusive, provided "the ex- 
tended debate on slavery " does not prevent their due 
consideration. 

2d. Reform. — Abolition of Presiding Elders. 

Argument 1st. " They are now appointedby the Bishops. ' ' 
The Bishops, it is true, have been and still are very 



124 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

holy men ; but they are not to be trusted with this 
power of patronage. They have usually appointed good 
men ; but then sometime they might " out-herod Herod." 

Argument 2d. " It is expensive." 

The people should be taught temporal economy. 

Many of them are now ruining themselves by their 
lavish contributions to the cause of Grod. They ought 
not to be called upon to give so much. So it would seem, 
according to Dr. Smith's philosophy. 

Argument 3d. "It makes men lazy." 

True, " Elders Blackburn," and "Dale" were not 
spoiled. But they are exceptions. The Bishop has 
great trouble in stationing them, when they come out of 
the Eldership, though it seems they usually find their 
way into good appointments. 

Argument 4dh. "It is useless" 

They are only "go-betweens" — connecting links in the 
chain of Despotism. A cabinet selected from the An- 
nual Conference, and dissolved at its close, would be bet- 
ter. They would be much more disinterested. They would 
never take care of themselves, at the expense of " Fa- 
ther Braddock," or his biographer. 

Argument 5th, and lastly. 

The abolition of the Presiding Eldership will prevent 
the crushing power of the " Mill-stones," in the cases 
of " Father Braddocks," saving them from the painful 
necessity of saying, "I will not go to ' Old Bay,' or to 
' Famine Street V " It will compel " Uptown," " Hope 
Avenue," or " Noble Point " — and perhaps, " St. Bar- 
tholomew's," to be as ready to receive them as the 
" Herriotts." 

How ? is not made manifest. But it is the prescription 
of a regular physician. 

3d. Reform. — Extension of the term of Minis- 
terial service. 

Argument 1st. " Our present rule has no sanction from 
Apostolic times." 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 125 

The Apostles were governed "by the indications of 
Providence." We have thought that we were governed 
by the indications of Providence, in our Itinerant Sys- 
tem ; and we have been crowned with wonderful success ; 
but we have sadly blundered. 

Argument 2d. "Frequent removals cost so much.'" 

The people do entirely too much for their ministers. 

They need here, again, to be taught a lesson of tem- 
poral economy. So Dr. Smith thinks. 

Argument 3c?. "It prevents the ministers of the Me- 
thodist Episcopal Qhurch from obtaining and holding 
over the leading minds of this country an influence 
which would give permanency to our Church." 

We must look after " the leading minds of the coun- 
try," at all hazards. "Not many noble or mighty, are 
called ;" according to Paul — but then, he lived in days 
of old. The mission of Methodism, we used to think, 
was to the masses ; to all sorts of minds, (and, by the way, 
the fathers gathered in more of the leading minds by 
their blunt dealing, than are brought in by the double 
distilled refinements of the present,) but our mission now 
is "to the leading minds." 

Never mind the masses. Let the poor go. 

Some men are unable to secure, or retain, a hold over 
any minds, for the space of two years. An extension of 
time to three, or five years, perhaps would help them ! 

Argument 4ih. " The people ivill be no longer restless" 

They are too fond of novelty. They go in too much for 
"crowds," "revivals," and "raptures." These notions 
belong to antiquity. An extension of time will give them 
more sober — "philosophically inclined" — and logical 
ministers. They will settle down into a blissful quietude. 
The "Herriotts," and "Furors," so called, will be at 
a discount ! 

Argument 5th. " Our children will not run aivay." 

We have steadily increased, notwithstanding the run- 
ning. This however is only an imaginary prosperity. 
The inauguration of a calm — " philosophically inclined" 



126 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

— and logical ministry — after the " Smith" model ; and 
the abandonment of "crowds," "revivals," and "raptures" 
will give us a far more rapid increase. And, " My 
Father Braddock ' ' will no longer dolefully cry : " Oh, 
my dear spiritual children at Enterprise 1 1 Where are 
they ? Where are they ?" 

Argument 6th. " It will make less trouble and dissatis- 
faction in making the appointments." 

" Judah will no longer vex Ephraim, nor Ephraim 
envy Judah." It will quell at once all ministerial jeal- 
ousies — and all similar weaknesses among the Laity. 
A three, or five years' acquaintance with the "philos- 
ophically inclined" ministers, of the " Smith" model — 
will convince the People that they have been greatly 
deluded in going after the "Herriotts," and " Eurors," 
so called — who produce "crowds," "revivals," and 
"raptures !" 

Argument 7th. and lastly — (but not least). The ex- 
tension of time will prevent the crushing power of the 
" Millstones" of Methodistic Despotism, from grinding 
the " Braddocks" to powder — saving them from the 
painful necessity of saying : 

" I will not go to i Old Bay,' or to i Famine Street' — 
and it will compel ' Uptown,' ' Hope Avenue,' or, 'Noble 
Point' — and perhaps, ' St Bartholomew's,' to be as ready 
to receive them as the ' Herriotts.' 

" Members of the General Conference will please take 
out their Disciplines, and make it three, ox five years — 
instead of two." 

4th. Reform-Election of Bishops every four 
years. 

Argument 1st. " The name ' Bishop' is mis-leading — 
particularly to ' High Churchmen. ' " 

For their special accommodation we should drop the 
title ; or, at any rate, to satisfy those who have dreamed 
that " Mr. Wesley" was opposed to it. 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 127 

If elected every four years, the title of " Superintend- 
ent" would entirely meet their aspirations. 

Argument 2nd. It tvould make us more consistent. 

We deny Episcopacy in the sense of the " High Church- 
man," and yet virtually have it. So the philosophically 
inclined " Smith" thinks. The term " ordination' also 
terribly mystifies us, and involves us in inconsistency. 
Nobody in particular has any trouble about it, except 
some stray " churchman" — or some one "philosophically 
inclined," like poor Elder Blackburn, who lost his din- 
ner over it, and gave vent to an awful Soliloquy. But 
our system ought to be so arranged as to meet the cases 
of iveak heads — and iveak consciences. 

Especially should we have an ecclesiastical constitution 
to correspond with the enlightened views of those who 
would model the church after the Republic — and thus 
link Church and State in indissoluble bonds ! 

Argument 3d. They ivould not be so susceptible of 
temptation. Particularly on the salary question. An 
Episcopacy elected every four years would have consci- 
entious scruples against taking their salary from the 
Book Concern. 

Argument 4th. They would be more discriminating. 

Our Bishops have been, and still are, holy men — but 
then they don't always see clearly. Holiness does not 
always give discrimination. Hence, Life-time Bishops 
are often imposed upon by 

" cringing sycophants, who are artful enough to impress 
the Episcopacy with the conviction that their conduct is 
suggested by the reverence they feel for the chief dignita- 
ries of the church !" 

And then they appoint 

"Some, because they are Masons;" 
"Some, because they are Anti-Masons." 

and for a great variety of other questionable reasons. 



128 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

Bishops elected quadrennially will be entirely free 
from such amiable weaknesses ! 

And especially will they be free from all interference 
on the part of his majesty, the Devil, in making their 
appointments ! 

Argument 5th. They ivill be prevented effectually 
from " out-heroding Herod.''' Nothing of this kind has as 
yet been attempted by the Bishops. 

But it might be. "An ounce of prevention is better 
than a pound of cure." 

Argument 6th. And lastly, though not least. The 
election of Bishops every four years will prevent the 
"Millstones" of Methodistic Despotism, from grinding 
"My Father Braddock" to powder; saving him from 
the painful necessity of saying: "I will not go to ' Old 
Bay, or to i Famine Street;' " and, it will compel "Up- 
town," "Hope Avenue," or " Noble Point, " and perhaps 
" St. Bartholomew's," to be as ready to receive the 
"Braddocks" as the "Herriotts." 

How ? does not appear. There are mysteries in the 
action of Ecclesiastical Reforms, as in the action of me- 
dicine, which cannot be explained. Suffice it, that " Dr. 
Smith" says It is so ! And his testimony is confirmed 
by " Rev. Dr. Brown," in the Preface ! 

"Be not faithless, then, but believing." 

Note. — There is one argument which is not in the 
Book, but is here supplied. The members of the Gene- 
ral Conference will please consider it as included, and in 
view of the conclusive nature of the arguments for 

The Smith Philosophy op Reform, 

provide at once for an Episcopacy elected quadrenni- 
ally. 

Argument extra. The chances for Episcopal honors 
will be greatly multiplied by the proposed change. 

Such a stimulus brought to bear upon the ministry, 
will be salutary in the highest degree. 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 129 

Why, then, should the honors be confined to a few 
Life-time Incumbents ? 

The reading of this paper had well nigh thrown Grand- 
father Braddock into a "rapture." 

But, being a great philosopher, his equanimity remain- 
ed undisturbed. 

He took occasion to express his profound satisfaction 
with the document, stating that, " in his view of the mat- 
ter, it clearly exhibited the untenable position of Doctor 
Smith, in his theory of Reform ; and also the absurdity 
of his arguments, by which he sought to sustain his 
position." 

" That it does," responded Mr. Stand-the-storm. 
"And the beauty of it is, it comes to us in a straight- 
forward way. It was not stolen from the Elder's study. 
I think we shall have to send Elder Greatheart to the 
General Conference, notwithstanding the cavillings of 
the Doctors of Reform. I believe the interests of the 
Church are safe in the hands of such men — whether in 
the Presiding Eldership, or out of it ; quite as safe as 
they would be if committed to the guardianship of these 
headlong Reformers." 

" So I believe," said Mr. Hopeful. 

The whole company was greatly edified, and declared 
the paper must go on record, if not on the records of the 
General Conference, at least among Evenings with 
Grandfather Braddock. 
9 



130 GRANDFATHER RRADDOCK. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

TRUE REFORM — GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK MAKES SOME 
VALUABLE SUGGESTIONS, WHICH THE WISE WILL AP- 
PRECIATE. 

At the close of the last interview with the Patriarch, 
he intimated to his friends, that, if they would spend 
another evening with him at the Retreat, he would give 
them some of his views about Reform. 

Elder Greatheart, Mr. Stand-the-storm, Mr. Hopeful, 
and Mr. Gentle-mind, embraced the first opportunity to 
spend the evening proposed. 

They were anxious to hear the opinions of their ven- 
erable father on that subject. 

They found the old man in a very happy mood. His 
face shone like that of an angel, and his eyes sparkled 
with unusual brilliancy. 

He rose from his arm-chair, as they entered his cot- 
tage, and embraced each of them most affectionately. 

u You look very happy this evening, Grandfather 
Braddock ;" remarked Mr. Hopeful. 

"Yes," replied the veteran. "I am happy— very 
happy. Jenny has been reading ' The Pioneer Bishop ' 
to me to-day ; and, as I followed that good man in his 
journeyings and Apostolic labors, my heart has rejoiced 
exceedingly : Bless the Lord for his goodness ! 

"It makes me long to get to my heavenly home, that I 
may see those ancient worthies in glory ! And I am 
strongly impressed with the idea that I shall soon be 
there. My sands of life are well-nigh run out. Only a 
very few remain in the glass. Canaan looks very near 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 131 

to me to-niglit. The death-river, as I approach it, seems 
to dwindle to a narrow rill. I can look across, and see 
the spires of the new Jerusalem — my ear catches some 
of the strains of its music — and the fragrance of its 
flowers is wafted to me. 

" Sing a little for the old man, my friends ; perhaps 
this may be the last time that I shall see you ; sing 

" ' We'll stand the storm, it won't be long — 
We'll anchor bye-aud-bye !' " 

They sung it, in compliance with his request, with 
holy zest and unction. 

Grandfather Braddock was bathed in tears, and gave 
frequent expression to his joyous emotions. 

He said, " When he felt happy, he must say c Grlory V 
It was a well-established Methodistic privilege. 

" I shall soon be home — soon — very soon. My little 
bark 

u ' Will anchor bye-and-bye !' " 

Grandmother Braddock also claimed her privilege to 
shout a little ; though she felt sad at the words of her 
aged companion ; the thought of separation was inde- 
scribably painful to her. 

All realised that this was an hour, when, as the sons 
and daughters of Zion, " they were called from labor to 
refreshment /" 

The tears rolled down the cheeks of Emory, and he 
laid hold of Elder Greatheart's hand, saying : 

" If it makes men so happy to be Methodist preachers, 
I want to be one, sure, when I get to be a man." 

"The good Lord grant that you may, my boy," re- 
sponded the Elder. 

It was some time before the specific design of the 
evening's interview could be carried out. There was an 
old fashioned time of general weeping, and shouting, in 



132 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

the cottage, and it seemed to be a pity to disturb the 
hallowed feeling. 

The Patriarch, however, said, "that the measures of 
Reform which he had to propose, were of such a charac- 
ter, that he thought their consideration would not destroy 
the pleasant feeling which evidently pervaded their 
hearts." 

They all expressed an anxiety to have his views on 
the interesting subject of Reform. 

Accordingly, Grandfather Braddock composed himself 
in the time-honored arm chair, and prepared to gratify 
their wishes. 

"Jenny," said he, "has been my amanuensis to-day, 
and has written down a few of the old man's reflections 
on the subject of Reform, to which you are welcome, my 
friends, for what they are worth. They will not, per- 
haps, suit some of the Doctors of Reform, but the wise will 
understand." 

Jenny read as follows : 

"The question of Church Reform is a grave and 
weighty question. Church Government should not be 
lightly disturbed ; and especially those features, which 
the action of years has demonstrated to be good — to work 
well. 

" Our Methodist economy has worked well; admirably, 
I may say. It now works well. 

"Never was there a period, in the history of Method- 
ism, when it was making more rapid progress than at 
present. 

"Yet, it may be, that some modifications of the Sys- 
tem may be demanded, to adapt it to still more extended 
usefulness. Some of the Reforms proposed in 'My Fa- 
ther Braddock' may be required. 

"The wisdom of the General Conference will deter- 
mine. 

"For example: perhaps the extension of the term of 
ministerial service may be desirable. And yet this 
should be touched cautiously. 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 133 

"I see advantages connected with such a change; 
great advantages, to our rising ministry. 

"But even this change is not without its difficulties — 
serious difficulties. It might be greatly to the advantage 
of some of our prominent charges, especially in the cities, 
but would it be to the whole connexion? 

"It might, and doubtless would be, advantageous to 
a certain class of ministers, but would it be to the whole 
body of ministers f 

"The Methodist Itinerancy has been admirably 
adapted to cherish men, in weakness, until, little by little, 
gathering strength, they have attained the maturity of 
manhood, and shone with wonted brilliancy. Now, will 
the proposed change increase that adaptation, or, will it 
diminish it ? Legislation should be for the whole, and 
not for a part of the connexion. 

" If the change suggested should diminish the adapta- 
tion referred to, then ivould it be disastrous. 

" Let this point, then, be approached, I repeat, with 
great care. 

" So also with other proposed Keforms. 

" Let not a rash spirit of reform cry : ' Abolish the 
Presiding Eldership' — until a substitute can be pre- 
sented, which will fully challenge our acceptance. 

" A quadrennial election of Bishops is, in my judgment, 
wild and impracticable ; unworthy to receive any consid- 
eration at the hands of sensible men. 

"The Laity have been, for some time past, drawing 
closer to the ministry. And responsibilities, especially 
pecuniary responsibilities, which formerly were borne 
by the Ministry, are being assumed by them. This 
is right. What further measures may be needed, to 
strengthen the bonds between the Ministry and the Laity 
— a wise observation of Providential indications will 
in due time declare. 

" But, mark it : 



134 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

* 

" The argument of Dr. Smith, in < My Father 
Braddock,' if argument it may be called, is a basis 
of sand, upon which to rear this colossal fabric 
of Reform ! 

" It is the weakest, and, as I before said, the bitterest 
■plea, which could have been presented. If any of the 
Reforms proposed, are needed, it is on entirely different 
grounds. 

" I will now suggest a few points at which, an old man 
thinks, that Reform is demanded at this day." 

" Stop a moment, Jenny, " said the Patriarch. 

" Before she reads what follows, I desire to premise 
that the counsel given to the Ministry, and to the Laity, 
is not to be regarded as having in every feature a general 
application, in either case. There is a class of each, to 
whom certain of the suggestions may be appropriately 
presented. The judgment and conscience of each will 
make a suitable application. With this qualification, 
Jenny may now proceed. 

Jenny continues : 

I. The Ministry. 

1st. They should study more. Study human nature 
more. Study the Bible more. Study sound Theological 
works more. Study Divinity more than Philosophy — 
particularly, The Philosophy of Ecclesiastical Reform. 

The Age demands study — profound study — and tho- 
rough preparation for the pulpit. But, it should be a pre- 
paration which looks directly to the salvation, rather than 
the flattery, of men ! Beware of pulpit ministrations 
without an edge — God's word should cut " like a two- 
edged sword 1" Above all, " study to show themselves 
approved unto God." 

2nd. They should pray more. Prayer has a wonderful 
influence in improving ministerial piety, as well as that 
of the Laity. It is to be feared that the cultivation of 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 135 

personal piety is too much neglected. Hence, so many 
dull, prosy sermons. Hence, the lack, oftentimes, of 
".crowds," "revivals," and "raptures." Hence, the 
spirit of complaint is rampant — everything looks blue, 
and is out of sorts. The Bishops are wrong, the Presid- 
ing Elders are wrong, the People are wrong. A little 
more piety, brethren, will not hurt any of us. 

3d. They should work more. The Age demands 
work. Merchants work. Mechanics work. Philoso- 
phers work. Infidels work. Ministers must work ; and 
they must work more. The fathers worked hard, but 
their sons of the nineteenth century must ivork more. 

More work is needed in lanes and alleys — in garrets 
and cellars — work which requires the gloves to be taken 

More work in the family — in the Sabbath-school — 
in the Pastorate — in the pulpit — and at The Altar. 
Attention to the above suggestions will secure — 

1st. More ministerial comfort. More study, more 
prayer, and more work, will bring more happiness. It 
would do some ministers good to get right happy, shout- 
ing happy. The three prescriptions above-named are a 
specific ; they will do the business, depend upon it. 

2d. Less ministerial jealousy. The "Smiths" will 
not look through green spectacles at the ' Herriotts.' 

That "green-eyed monster" is a terrible monster! 

The three prescriptions, above-named, will send the 
ugly monster back to his dark cavern. The "crowds," 
"revivals," and "raptures" of the "Herriotts" will not 
then be caricatured. 

3d. More ministerial courtesy — particularly towards 
those, who, for the interest of the work, are Trans- 
ferred. A little more ministerial courtesy may lead 
us to call men by their right names, and say "Mr. Gos- 
pel-force," instead of "Mr. Furor." Such courtesy will 
be appreciated by sensible men. And then, there may 
be a fuller realization of what the Apostle means, when 
he says : 



136 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK/ 

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for some 
thereby have entertained angels, unawares /" 

A little more courtesy will be no disadvantage, any- 
how, to those who exercise it. More study, more prayer, 
and more work, will secure it. 

4th. More ministerial success. Methodist preachers 
should never be afraid of "crowds," "revivals," and "rap- 
tures." The want of them is a calamity, as the groans 
of despondent Stewards and Trustees testify. The ene- 
mies of Methodism used to turn this sort of artillery 
against us, and sneer at "crowds," "revivals," and "rap- 
tures." Let not Methodist preachers turn it upon each- 
other. It won't pay. 

Success is the great desideratum. The Laity look 
for it, and will have it at any price. 

The true ivay for ministers is to obtain a Reputa- 
tion for Success, and all the Bishops, Presiding Elders, 
and "Special Committees," (whether "responsible" 
or "irresponsible,") in creation, cannot keep such men 
down ! 

II. The Laity. 

The three recommendations given to the ministry 
may, with propriety, be addressed to the Laity : 

"MORE STUDY — MORE PRAYER — MORE WORK !" 

1st. More study. Conceive great plans for the glory 
of God, and the elevation of our race. Study Divinity, 
as well as the newspaper — the price of soids, as well as 
the price of stocks ! Study the great questions, under- 
lying a pure, and successful Church Government. Such 
studies are indispensable to the proper assumption of the 
new, and serious responsibilities which the age undoubt- 
edly places upon the Laity. And last, though not 
least, study the comfort of your ministers. A hard- 
working minister should receive at your hands, sympa- 
thy, love, AND A GENEROUS SUPPORT. 

2d. More Prayer. This will deepen the tone of your 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 137 

piety. You need it as well as the Ministry. It will 
qualify you to hold up the hands of your Pastors, and to 
co-operate with them in spiritualities, as well as tem- 
poralities. 

The Age demands a Spiritual Laity; 

that their Christian testimony may have a power com- 
mensurate with their high position. 

3d. More Work. There is more work in your marts 
of commerce, in manufactories, and work-shops, than at 
any former period. The Church of God, and a dying 
ivorld cry imploringly for more work. Christian Mis- 
sions at home, and abroad, need rapid multiplication. 

Attention to the above suggestions, will secure, on the 
part of the Laity, 

1st. More kindness to Ministers. I am happy to say, 
that at this time, there is a display of liberality on the 
part of the Methodist Laity towards our ministers, far 
in advance of any former period — for which they do not 
receive credit at the hands of these Doctors of Reform. 
But there is room for a greater advance. While our 
Laymen live in splendid houses, splendidly furnished, 
and sit down at luxurious tables, they will see that their 
Pastors lack none of the comforts of life. 

2d. A more noble consecration of property to Christ's 
cause. The wealth of the church is being rapidly aug- 
mented. Consecration of property to Christ's cause, 
does not keep pace with that augmentation. The spirit 
of Apostolic clays, which led to an unreserved consecra- 
tion, needs to be infused. The whole world invites us to 
action. The fields everywhere are white unto the har- 
vest. The spirit of sacrifice, and of consecration, I am 
glad to know, is increasing. There are among us Lay- 
men who display a princely munificence ! 

But the demands of the Age call for a vast increase. 
More study, more prayer, more work — will induce it. 

3d. The perpetuation of Methodistic Power. Spirit- 



138 GRANDFATHER BRADD0CK. 

ual Power, I mean — Revival Power. — Whatever 
modifications of the System may arise, we must be care- 
ful not to surrender this great characteristic of Me- 
thodism. 

Power ; aj, Divine Power ! a power which brings in 
its train "crowds," "revivals," and "raptures," we 
must have; or upon our walls will be written, 

" ICHABOD — THE GLORY HAS DEPARTED !" 

If the rapid improvements in church property, which 
are going forward ; and the higher intellectual position, 
which is being assumed by our ministry ; shall have con- 
nected therewith a correspondent increase of Spiritual 
Power, then will Methodism have, in the future, as in 
the past, the tread of a giant ! 

The Laity must watch with a jealous eye, the 
rising of a spirit, either in the Ministry or Laity, which 
would 



Ignore "crowds," "revivals," and "raptures 



More study, more prayer, more work in the Laity, 
will secure this undying vigilance. 

These suggestions might be greatly extended ; but I 
am disposed to leave the fertile minds of my brethren, in 
both departments, to enlarge the catalogue. 

A Reform of Men 

rather than Systems, is the demand of The Age ; so 
that Ministry and Laity may meet their great re- 
sponsibilities, wisely, and usefully fill their legitimate 
spheres. 

And may God in his infinite mercy, give us such Re- 
form. Amen, and amen ! 

This prayer was received by the guests of Grandfather 
Braddock, with inexpressible satisfaction. 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 139 

Mr. Stand-the-storm declared "that it was l The True 
.Reform,' " in which sentiment his companions cordially 
united. 

" If we could get our Ministry and Laity, through the 
length and breadth of the connexion, to adopt as their 
motto, ' More study, more prayer, more work,' what 
a powerful church we should have!" remarked Mr. 
Hopeful. 

"Yes, indeed," said Mr. Stand-the-storm. " The march 
of Methodism among the nations would be glorious. The 
history of our Zion would show a steady increase in the 
elements of real strength ; and the fathers would rejoice, 
as they disappear from the stage of action, in beholding 
their sons come up nobly ' to the help of the Lord,' 
against the mighty. Grandfather, you must let us have 
that paper for publication. It will do ministers and 
people good." 

"Well," said the old man, "if you think, my friends, 
that it will glorify God, and promote the interests of 
Methodism, to publish it ; with all my heart, it is at your 
disposal." 

It is on record, for the benefit of whom it may con- 
cern ; and thus closes another evening at Itinerant's Re- 
treat. 



140 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 



CHAPTER XV. 

THE PATRIARCH SLEEPS HIS LAST SLEEP — HIS JOY AND 
TRIUMPH IN DEATH INTERVIEW WITH DOCTOR SMITH. 

On a Saturday eve, Elder Greatheart and his family 
were startled by a quick, nervous pull at the door-bell. 

The door was speedily opened, when a messenger an- 
nounced that Grandfather Braddock was sick ! 

Elder Greatheart hastened to Itinerant's Retreat. 

The good Elder had serious misgivings as he journeyed 
towards the old man's cottage ; he remembered the em- 
phatic and significant words of the last interview. 

Before starting, he dispatched one of his children to 
inform Mr. Stand-the-storm, Mr. Hopeful, and Mr. 
Gentle-mind. 

On reaching the Retreat, he found that his worst fears 
were realised. 

The Patriarch was dangerously ill. 

A smile, however, played about his features, while he 
extended his hand to the Elder, as he approached his 
bed-side. 

"You have come to see the old man die;" said 
Grandfather Braddock. " I told you when we last met, 
that I was almost home — that a few sands only remained 
in the glass. I hear my Master calling me home. The 
angels wait to bear my weary spirit to the mansions of 
rest; 

" ' They're round my bed, 
They're in my room, 
They wait to waft my spirit home !' " 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 141 

Grandmother Braddock, Jenny, and Emory stood 
near, and were deeply moved at these words. 

Emory sobbed as though his heart would break. 

"Elder Greatheart," said he imploringly, " do you 
think grandpa is going to leave us?" 

The kind-hearted Elder drew him to his side and com- 
forted him. He told him " that the good Lord had per- 
mitted his grandpa to live a long while, and that now he 
was old and gray-headed, and very feeble, and that it 
would be so much better for him to go and be with Jesus. 
And that he must be a good boy, and love and take care 
of his grandma; and when he was called to die, he 
would go and be with his dear father and grandpa, in 
the better land." 

These words cheered the heart of the dear boy. 

And, smiling through his tears, he said : 

"Elder Greatheart, may-be the good Lord will one of 
these days let me be a Methodist preacher, and do good, 
like grandpa, and like my dear father who is now in 
heaven !" 

" Yes, my son ; I hope you may." 

Elder Greatheart could hardly restrain his tears at 
these breathings of Emory's young heart. 

The dying Patriarch called him to his bed-side, and 
kissed him again and again ; Emory clasped him round 
the neck and whispered in his ear — " I will be a good 
boy, grandpa. I want to be a Methodist preacher, and 
then, when I die, go to be with you, in the better land, 
and my dear father too, as Elder Greatheart says." 

The old man kissed him again fondly, and turning his 
eyes heavenward, ejaculated : " Grant it, blessed 
Lord!" 

Jenny watched every movement of her grandpa, in- 
tently ; anxious to make him comfortable. She endeav- 
ored to anticipate every little want, displaying the 
greatest vigilance and tenderness. 

The venerable man, casting upon her the most benig- 
nant look, said : "You are a dear, good creature, Jenny. 



142 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

You have watched over me affectionately, in health and 
in sickness, and the good Lord will reward you for it, 
my child." 

Mr. Stand-the-storm, Mr. Hopeful and Mr. Gentle- 
mind here arrived. 

They were much affected on finding the good old man 
so ill, and especially when they learned that the Physi- 
cian had said "that he must soon die /" 

Grandfather Braddock extended to them his hand, 
and said : " Weep not for me, my friends. The battle's 
almost fought, and the victory won. I shall soon claim 
the conqueror's crown. I look back upon the past, and 
see that ■ I have fought a good, fight V 

" My itinerant life gives me a pleasing retrospect in 
this hour. I have no '-wrongs' to be redressed. I bless 
God that I was counted worthy to preach Jesus any- 
where — yes, anywhere ! And oh ! what delight it gives 
me to think of the thousands whom I have welcomed to 
Zion's altars. Many of them, I verily believe, will soon 
greet me on the other shore. 

" Sing to me, my friends ; sing to me about heaven ! 
Sing that song that you sung when we had that glorious 
baptism at our last interview : 

u i We'll stand the storm, it won't be long, 
We'll anchor bye-and-bye !' " 

They sung it, and the dying veteran was filled with 
unutterable rapture. 

He then said : "I see the Bay — the broad Bay of 
glory I It looks like a vast expanse of pure silver, glit- 
tering in the clear sun-light ! My little bark, long 
tossed on stormy seas, driven by tempestuous winds and 
mountain waves, is sweetly gliding into the Bay ! I am 
rounding the Gape — there is a fair breeze, and I shall 
soon drop anchor ! 

" There is one" continued Grandfather Braddock, 
" whom I should love to see once more, before I go hence." 



JRANDFATIIER BRADDOCK. 143 

"And who is that?" eagerly inquired Mr. Stand-the- 
storm. 

" It is Doctor Smith ;" he replied. " I would like to 
give him my dying counsel. But I suppose that is im- 
possible!" 

" He shall be brought here, if practicable ;" said Mr. 
Stand-the-storm. "I will go myself, immediately, and 
bear to him your request." 

At a late hour of the night, Mr. Stand-the-storm re- 
turned, bringing Doctor Smith with him. 

The Doctor, with some difficulty, ascended the stair- 
way. He iv as lame ! 

Grandmother Braddock hastened to give him a chair, 
and inquired, with much solicitude: "What is the mat- 
ter, Doctor ? Are you lame ? Why, how is this ? you 
used to be so active." 

" Yes," responded he ; " but I am a cripple for life! 
I undertook to ride my favorite horse, Reform, one day, 
and he was too spirited for me. I thought I could hold 
the rein and manage him, and this is the result. I am 
ruined /" 

The venerable matron was painfully affected at this 
intelligence, and heaved a heavy sigh — secretly saying to 
herself: 

" Oh ! that dream, that dream ! I see it all now ; 
no wonder I felt so !" 

The Patriarch received the Doctor with great kind- 
ness, saying : "I am glad to see you, my brother. I am 
a dying man, and I felt anxious to see you before I go 
hence, and give you the parting counsel of an old man. 
I have seen much of the world, my young brother. I 
have passed through as much toil — endured as many 
privations — and encountered as many dangers, perhaps, 
as any man who ever entered the Methodist Itinerancy. 

u I die, convinced that it is the best system ever devised 
'for spreading Scriptural holiness over the land,' as Mr. 
Wesley said. The Itinerancy has made me a joyful man 
in life, and an exultant man in the prospect of death! 



144 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

" Doctor," continued the veteran : " Pardon an old 
man — a dying man — while I say to you, that I regret — 
deeply regret — that you have published that Book : " My 
Father Braddock.' It has pained me. How could 
you, beloved, so terribly smite your mother?" 

These words of Grandfather Braddock evidently sunk 
deep into the heart of Doctor Smith. 

He gave vent to his feelings, in a flood of tears. 

For a while he was speechless ! 

At length, gathering up his energies, he responded as 
follows : 

" Grandfather Braddock, I regret the publication of 
that Book. In an hour of temptation I did it. I thought 
it was in love that I did it. I now see that it is the voice 
of an enemy, and not of a friend. I would that I could 
erase the remembrance of the act — and banish it from 
the public gaze. It will, I fear, fill my dying pillow 
with thorns. I especially regret my reference to 6 Mr. 
Herriott.' Oh ! it was a cruel thing in me, to carica- 
ture my brethren ! 

" I had no reference to any one in particular, as I 
solemnly stated in my card in the Paper — but then it 
looks as though somebody was intended — and I am afraid 
it will do harm. 

"And that Prayer ! Oh ! that Prayer ! for the des- 
truction of the System — with reiterated Amens — and 
notes of exclamation ! How it haunts me day and 
night ! 

" And here I am, a cripple for life — as the consequence 
of my temerity. I thought I was able to ride that fiery 
steed of ' Reform,' as others before me thought — and 
I am ruined!" 

The Doctor buried his face in his hands, when he had 
thus spoken, and burst again into a flood of tears. 

The good Patriarch then addressed to him kind and 
comforting words, " Cheer up, my son;" he said. This 
mischief may yet be repaired — in part at least. 

" A more earnest consecration to the great and legiti- 



GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 145 

mate work of the Christian ministry — giving evidence of 
true repentance — may restore you to the confidence of 
your brethren in the ministry, and in the Laity. I say 
the Laity, because we have a loyal Laity, who are ready 
to condemn these violent assaults upon the System. 

" The good Lord bless you, and help you, my son ! It 
gives me joy in my dying hour, to know that you see, and 
feel your error. Receive my final counsel, 

"Leave Reform in Church Government to older 
and more experienced hands ! 

"I say to you, my son, as < Father Pure-Mind' used 
to say to me: Preach Jesus ! Preach Jesus ! God bless 
you, my son." 

"Amen!" responded Grandmother Braddock. " The 
good Lord help you, my son, to preach Jesus, and let Re- 
form alone!" 

It was now well nigh midnight. 

The strength of Grandfather Braddock was evidently 
failing fast. 

His efforts had greatly exhausted his little remaining 
energy. 

The clock struck twelve! 

A deathly paleness overspread the countenance of the 
venerable Itinerant. 

"There," said he, "it is the last time that I shall 
hear that clock strike the hour of twelve ! Ere it strikes 
that hour again, I shall be in eternity. 

"All is well, my friends ; all is well. The prospect 
of the midnight hour is bright ! 

"Jenny, dear, sing to me once more that sweet 
song: 

" There'll be no more sorrow there." 

Jenny tried to sing it, but it was with a tremulous 
voice. Her voung heart was too full to sing now, 
10 



146 GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK. 

"Oh I" said the old man, "how sweet that is — i 7io 
more sorrow there.' " 

Hours rolled on ; oh, how sadly ! 

The morning light was beginning to streak the east- 
ern sky. 

The Patriarch felt that his hour had come. 

He beckoned to his weeping companion to come near, 
and gathering up his little remaining strength, he said, 
"Come near to me, thou faithful partner. of my joys and 
sorrows ; come near to me, and receive my dying bene- 
diction. You have been to me a 'Ruth' and not a 
'Lotte;' ready 'to live where I lived, and, if need be, 
to die where I died,' in prosecuting the glorious work of 
the Itinerancy. In all my journeyings and toils, whe- 
ther my field was a hard, or an easy one, you have 
never complained. Sunlight has ever been in your coun- 
tenance, and you have cheered me in the house of my 
pilgrimage. We shall not long be separated, my dear. 
I go only a little before you. I shall soon see our glori- 
fied Obadiah. We will be on the lookout for you on the 
frontiers of bright glory ! Good bye, my beloved. The 
God of grace be with you !" 

He kissed her with true affection. 

He then bade all present an affectionate farewell, one 
by one, and imprinted upon the cheek of each a holy 
kiss. 

And as the Sabbath morn was opening, the conquer- 
ing Itinerant "ceased at once to work and live," gently 
whispering, as he breathed his last: " Jesus is mine, and 
I am Ms /" 

And, with these words trembling upon his lips, he en- 
tered the chariot. 

Thus died Grandfather Braddock ! 

An ecclesiastical martyr? 

A victim of Methodistic Despotism ? 

Immolated upon the altar of a 

"Tremendous Tyranny?" 



GRANDFATHER BRADD0CK. 147 

No! 

Methodism conducted him from the shoemaker 'sbenchto 
the pulpit — nurtured him in ministerial infancy, until he 
attained ministerial maturity — and rendered him, in the 
church and in the world, u a burning and shining light V 

Just as it has done in thousands of other instances. 

He was a man of power. 

He won multitudes to Christ. 

He died not as an Ecclesiastical Martyr; but as 
a Conqueror, and "more than a Conqueror! 

" Garnish the Sepulchres of the Righteous !" 

Ay, garnish the sepulchres of conquering Itinerants. 

Not with vain regrets, or doleful lamentations, or un- 
founded accusations ! 

Garnish them, yea, Garnish them, with the un- 
withering laurels of conquest ; and plant fragrant flow- 
ers about their tombs ! 

Inscribe upon the chiseled marble : 

" Here lies an Itinerant Conqueror I" 

not an 

"Ecclesiastical Martyr ;" 

A monument of the power of a System, without a 
parallel in purity and efficiency. 

And may G-od perpetuate this System of Methodism, 
to the end of time ! 

And let all the people say : 

Amen ! and Amen ! ! ! 



23 Jan.2860. 



EVENINGS 






GRANDFATHER BRADDOCK; 



SHOWING HIS LABORS, JOYS, AND TRIUMPHS EN 
THE METHODIST ITINERANCY. 



BEING AN ANTIDOTE TO 



\M " 



"MY FATHER BRADDOCK. 



REV. FRANK. F. FAfRVIEW. 






PHILADELPHIA : 
PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR, 

BY 

PERKINPINE & HIGGINS, 

NO. 56 NORTH FOURTH STREET, 

1859. 



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